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GATE 2026 XH2 (English) – Question 17

Reasoning and Comprehension · Logical and analytical reasoning · 1 mark · Multiple select

Four couples M-N, O-P, R-L, S-E meet to have a dinner together on an eight-seater rectangular dining table with four seats each on opposite sides. The men are named as M, O, R, S. Two of the men, O, R, sit on the two corners of one side of the table and M sits beside R. Further, none of the couples occupy seats opposite to each other. However, a person sits adjacent to the seat opposite to his/her spouse.

Based on the information, which of the following conclusions can be drawn?

  1. R sits opposite to N and S sits opposite to P.
  2. R sits opposite to P and O sits opposite to N.
  3. S sits opposite to N and O sits opposite to L.
  4. M sits opposite to L and O sits opposite to E.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) R sits opposite to N and S sits opposite to P.; (D) M sits opposite to L and O sits opposite to E.

Explanation

Number the seats on one side 1 to 4 and the seats opposite them 1' to 4'. Put O in seat 1, R in seat 4 and M beside R in seat 3 (the other way round is the mirror image and gives the same relations). A person sits next to the seat opposite their spouse. O's only neighbour is seat 2, so the seat opposite P is seat 2, and P is in 2'. R's only neighbour is seat 3, so L is in 3'. M's neighbours are seats 2 and 4, so N is opposite one of them; 2' is taken by P, so N is in 4'. So R is opposite N and M is opposite L. S and E are left with seat 2 and seat 1'. If S takes seat 2, then S is opposite P and E is opposite O, so options A and D are both true. If they take them the other way round, S is opposite O and E is opposite P, and both fail. So A and D go together, and both are possible conclusions.