Seven people, R, O, A, M, I, N and G, are sitting in a row, facing north. Only…
2026
Seven people, R, O, A, M, I, N and G, are sitting in a row, facing north. Only three people sit to the left of M. Only R sits to the right of G. Only three people sit between G and O. I sits somewhere to the left of A and somewhere to the right of N. How many people sit between N and A?
Answer: B. Three — ConceptIn a single-row seating puzzle, number the seats in one fixed direction and translate each verbal clue into an exact position or position difference.…
- A.
Four
- B.
Three
- C.
Two
- D.
One
Attempted by 48 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
In a single-row seating puzzle, number the seats in one fixed direction and translate each verbal clue into an exact position or position difference.
If k people sit between two people, their seat numbers differ by k + 1. Relative-order clues are applied only after fixed positions are placed.
Application
Number the seven seats 1 to 7 from left to right. Everyone faces north, so their left and right match our view.
Exactly three people sit to the left of M, so M occupies seat 4.
Only R sits to the right of G. Therefore G must occupy seat 6 and R seat 7.
Three people sit between G and O, so their seat numbers differ by 4. With G at seat 6, O must occupy seat 2.
The remaining seats are 1, 3 and 5 for N, I and A. Since N is to the left of I and I is to the left of A, N = 1, I = 3 and A = 5.
Cross-check
Position | Occupant |
|---|---|
1 | N |
2 | O |
3 | I |
4 | M |
5 | A |
6 | G |
7 | R |
The completed row is N – O – I – M – A – G – R. The people between N and A are O, I and M, a total of three. Therefore, the result is Three.