Introduction / Context:
This circular seating puzzle mixes adjacency, opposition, and gender cues. We must determine the unique identity of the person to Prakash’s immediate right (clockwise next seat) while everyone faces the centre.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- People: Runa (F), Charu (F), Pari (F), Varun (M), Manu (M), Prakash (M).
- Manu is between Varun and Prakash (Manu’s immediate neighbours are Varun and Prakash).
- Charu is between Pari and Runa (Charu’s immediate neighbours are Pari and Runa).
- Varun and Pari are opposite each other (three seats apart).
- The person to the immediate right of Runa is male.
Concept / Approach:
Facing the centre, “right of X” is the next clockwise seat from X. “Between” means immediate adjacency on both sides. “Opposite” in a 6-seat circle is three seats away. We build the circle by respecting all three constraint types simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Place Varun and Pari opposite each other to satisfy the opposition constraint.2) Place Manu so that his two neighbours are exactly Varun and Prakash (this forces Prakash next to Manu).3) Place Charu so that Charu’s two neighbours are Pari and Runa, which in turn locks where Runa must go.4) Apply the gender cue: the person to Runa’s immediate right must be male; this prunes mirror-image placements and fixes the unique arrangement up to rotation.5) Read the person sitting immediately to the right (clockwise) of Prakash; it is Pari.
Verification / Alternative check:
Test the symmetric alternative (swap sides for the “between” relations). In all consistent rotations that satisfy the “Runa’s right is male” condition, the identity of the person to Prakash’s right remains Pari.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Manu / Varun: Their adjacencies are already fixed relative to Prakash; neither can occupy the immediate-right seat without breaking “Manu between Varun and Prakash”.Charu / Runa: Both are female; arrangements forcing either on Prakash’s right violate the “Runa’s right is male” or the “Charu between Pari and Runa” conditions.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing clockwise with counterclockwise “right”, and treating “between” loosely rather than as immediate adjacency. Another mistake is forgetting that opposite seats are exactly three steps apart in a 6-seat circle.
Final Answer:
Pari
Discussion & Comments