Question

Consider a sequence $a$ of elements $a_0=1,\,a_1=5,\,a_2=7,\,a_3=8,\,a_4=9,\,a_5=2$. The following operations are performed on a stack $S$ and a queue $Q$, both initially empty. [I:] push the elements of $a$ from $a_0$ to $a_5$ (in that order) into $S$.
[II:] enqueue the elements of $a$ from $a_0$ to $a_5$ (in that order) into $Q$.
[III:] pop an element from $S$.
[IV:] dequeue an element from $Q$.
[V:] pop an element from $S$.
[VI:] dequeue an element from $Q$.
[VII:] dequeue an element from $Q$ and push the same element into $S$.
[VIII:] Repeat operation VII three times.
[IX:] pop an element from $S$.
[X:] pop an element from $S$.

Hint:

Track stack (LIFO) and queue (FIFO) states explicitly after each step. For “dequeue and push” moves, the queue’s front element becomes the new stack top.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 8