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GATE 2026 ME – Question 9

General Aptitude · Analytical Aptitude: Logical Reasoning and Deduction · 2 marks · Multiple choice

The Roman senator Meritorius, his brother, his son, and his daughter have varying oratory skill levels. They are seated in rows and columns as shown in the figure with exactly one person sitting in each box. It is known that

(i) Meritorius' daughter and his brother are seated in the same column.

(ii) His son is seated diagonally across the sibling of the worst orator.

(iii) The best and worst orators are seated in the same row.

Who is the best orator?

A seating arrangement with 2 rows and 2 columns, with four empty boxes.
  1. Meritorius
  2. Meritorius' brother
  3. Meritorius' son
  4. Meritorius' daughter

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) Meritorius' brother

Explanation

The daughter and the brother share a column, so the senator and his son share the other column. The son sits diagonally across from either the daughter or the brother. Case 1: the diagonal partner is the daughter. Her sibling is the son, so the son is the worst orator. The son's row holds the brother, so the brother is the best orator. Case 2: the diagonal partner is the brother. His sibling is the senator, so the senator is the worst orator. The senator's row holds the brother, so again the brother is the best orator. In both cases the best orator is Meritorius' brother.