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GATE 2021 ME (ME2) – Question 1

General Aptitude · Analytical Aptitude: Logical Reasoning and Deduction · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Five persons P, Q, R, S and T are to be seated in a row, all facing the same direction, but not necessarily in the same order. P and T cannot be seated at either end of the row. P should not be seated adjacent to S. R is to be seated at the second position from the left end of the row. The number of distinct seating arrangements possible is:

  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 4
  4. 5

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) 3

Explanation

R is fixed at position 2. P and T must occupy positions 3 and 4, leaving Q,S at the two ends.

The valid rows are **QRPTS, SRPTQ, SRTPQ**. QRTPS is excluded because P is next to S. Thus **3 arrangements (B)**.