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GATE 2025 EC – Question 8

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

Eight students (P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, and W) are playing musical chairs. The figure indicates their order of position at the start of the game. They play the game by moving forward in a circle in the clockwise direction.

After the 1st round, 4th student behind P leaves the game. After 2nd round, 5th student behind Q leaves the game. After 3rd round, 3rd student behind V leaves the game. After 4th round, 4th student behind U leaves the game. Who all are left in the game after the 4th round?

Note: The figure shown is representative.

Diagram for GATE 2025 EC question 8
  1. P; T; Q; S
  2. V; P; T; Q
  3. W; R; Q; V
  4. Q; T; V; W

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (D) Q; T; V; W

Explanation

Clockwise order from the figure: P, R, T, Q, S, V, U, W. "Behind" means counter-clockwise. Round 1: counting back from P gives W, U, V, S, so S leaves. Round 2: back from Q gives T, R, P, W, U, so U leaves. Round 3: back from V gives Q, T, R, so R leaves. Round 4: back from U's seat gives V, Q, T, P, so P leaves. Left: Q, T, V, W.