Question:medium

P, Q, R, S, T and U are to be arranged in a circular table. Q does not sit opposite T. S and R are together. What is the sequence of their seating in clockwise direction?
Statement 1: R sits to the left of P
Statement 2: T does not want to sit near U
Directions: This question has a problem and two statements numbered (1) and (2) giving certain information. You have to decide if the information given in the statements is sufficient for answering the problem. Indicate your answer

Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • statement (1) alone is sufficient to answer the question
  • statement (2) alone is sufficient to answer the question
  • both the statements together are needed to answer the question
  • either statement (1) alone or statement (2) alone is sufficient to answer the question
  • neither statement (1) nor statement (2) suffices to answer the question
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (E):
neither statement (1) nor statement (2) suffices to answer the question

Let's break down this circular seating arrangement problem and why the provided statements are insufficient.

The core constraints:

* Six people: P, Q, R, S, T, and U.
* Circular table.
* Q is *not* opposite T. (Important negative constraint)
* S and R must sit together. (Bonded pair)

Now, let's analyze each statement:

Statement 1: R sits to the left of P.
This tells us the relative positions of R and P but doesn't fix their absolute positions within the circle. We know R is next to S. We don't have information about other people. We cannot determine the clockwise sequence.

Statement 2: T does not want to sit near U.
This gives a negative constraint, which can be useful. It prohibits T and U from being adjacent. We still do not have information about the rest of the seating arrangement and therefore cannot define the clockwise sequence.

Combining the information.

* We know R and S are together.
* Statement 1 tells us R is to the left of P. Therefore, we can have sequences like ...S R P... or ...P R S...
* Statement 2 tells us that T cannot be near U.
* The condition that Q is not opposite T has yet to be considered.

By combining the information we do not have enough information to form the clockwise sequence. We do not have fixed positions for the people.

Conclusion:

Neither statement alone provides enough information to determine the complete seating arrangement, and even combining the statements doesn't lead to a unique and definable sequence. Therefore, the answer is that neither statement (1) nor statement (2) suffices to answer the question.
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