Question

Eight people P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W are seated in two rows of four each.
Rules:
1. P sits directly in front of R.
2. Q is somewhere to the right of P (same row).
3. T and S cannot be in the same row.
4. W must be in the front row.
5. U must sit immediately left of V (same row).
How many seating arrangements are possible?

• A. 12
• B. 16
• C. 18
• D. 20

Hint:

When multiple row/column constraints exist, always place the fixed pairs (like P–R, U–V) first, then apply directional constraints such as “right of” or “immediately left of”.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Anchor the vertical pair first: P sits in the front row directly above R in the back row, using one column entirely.
Step 2: Q must sit to the right of P in the front row, W must also be in the front row, and U sits immediately left of V in whichever row that block lands, each of these trims the available seats further.
Step 3: Splitting T and S into different rows for the seats that remain, and counting only the seatings where every placement coexists without clashing, gives
\[ \boxed{16} \]
Final Answer: 16.