There are six teachers. Out of them two are primary teachers and two are secondary teachers. They are to stand in a row, so as the primary teachers, middle teachers and secondary teachers are always in a set. The number of ways in which they can do so, is
Aptitude
Permutation and Combination
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A52
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B48
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C34
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DNone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: 48
Explanation
### Concept & Permutations of Multiple Groups
When multiple distinct groups must remain together, treat each entire group as a single super-unit. Calculate the permutations of the super-units, and multiply by the internal permutations within every individual super-unit.
### Step-by-Step Solution
* **Identify the Sets of Teachers:**
* Total teachers = 6.
* Primary teachers = 2.
* Secondary teachers = 2.
* Middle teachers = Total - Primary - Secondary = $6 - 2 - 2 = 2$.
* **Form the Groups:**
* Group 1: Primary teachers (2 people)
* Group 2: Middle teachers (2 people)
* Group 3: Secondary teachers (2 people)
* **Arrange the Groups:**
* There are 3 distinct groups. They can be arranged in a row in $3!$ ways.
* $3! = 6$ ways.
* **Arrange Teachers Internally Within Groups:**
* Primary teachers can swap places: $2! = 2$ ways.
* Middle teachers can swap places: $2! = 2$ ways.
* Secondary teachers can swap places: $2! = 2$ ways.
* **Calculate Total Arrangements:**
* Total ways = $3! \times 2! \times 2! \times 2!$
* Total ways = $6 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 = 48$.
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Recognize the macro/micro structure instantly. 3 blocks $\rightarrow$ $3! = 6$. Each block has 2 items $\rightarrow$ $2^3 = 8$. Total $= 6 \times 8 = 48$.
### Common Pitfall
A common mistake is forgetting to deduce the number of middle teachers. While it isn't explicitly stated as "two", basic arithmetic ($6 - 2 - 2$) is required to realize there are 2 middle teachers making up the final set.
### Final Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is **48**.