August 14, 2024
Reader's Digest - Ready to Crack the Code? Tackle Linear Arrangement Questions for the Law Entrance Exam like a pro with this blog! 🕵️♂️🔍
Linear Seating Arrangement questions are among the most often asked questions in the reasoning ability section for almost all the entrance and competitive examinations.
In the linear seating arrangement, you are asked to arrange a group of people according to the given conditions. They may have to be seated around a table, which could be circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or any other shape.
The weightage of questions on this topic mostly varies between 8 - 10 marks and is easily the most scoring part of a candidate solves arrangement quickly and efficiently.
Seating Arrangement is one of the most important parts of the reasoning section for any upcoming law entrance exam. Questions are based on a set of information containing a set of conditions that give hidden information followed by a set of questions.
Take a look at the following topics to be discussed in this blog:
Let's dive into the types of Linear Arrangement Questions that are frequently posed in these exams, complete with illustrative examples:
Picture this – a row of chairs where individuals sit. The challenge? Placing them in a specific order according to given conditions. For instance, arranging different books on a shelf based on their height.
Imagine two parallel rows of seats, each with distinct attributes. Your task? Pairing individuals from one row to another based on provided criteria. It's like orchestrating a legal negotiation, aligning parties based on shared interests.
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Envision a multi-story building with occupants on different floors, each having unique characteristics. Your mission? Deciphering who lives where and their respective traits. It's akin to unravelling layers of legal complexities.
Imagine an apartment building. There are seven floors, and seven different people live on each floor. The aspirant must discern who lives on which floor based on specific clues. Sound straightforward? Not quite.
Example:
Consider the following:
Solution:
From the clues:
Consider arranging historical events or occurrences chronologically, like plotting milestones in a legal case's timeline.
Example:
Consider the following:
Solution:
Here, the circular, linear arrangement forms a circular loop, adding an intriguing twist. Imagine arranging delegates around a circular table based on their professions.
Read More - How to Solve Circular Arrangement Questions for Law Entrance Exams 2024?
This intricate type involves multiple variables, requiring you to untangle complex relationships. Consider arranging passengers in a train based on age, destination, and seat preference.
Linear arrangement puzzles have, for years, posed unique challenges to aspirants of various entrance examinations. Among these, the Linear Arrangement Questions for Law Entrance Exam stand out due to their intricacy and the critical thinking they demand.
For the Law Entrance Exams 2024, it becomes pivotal to understand the most effective strategy to decipher these puzzles. So, let's dive into this enigma and demystify the methods step by step.
Always begin with a clean workspace, both mentally and physically. This helps visualise the sequence and establish the relative positioning of elements as dictated by the clues.
Example: If A sits to the left of B, start by simply placing 'A' on the left, followed by 'B' on your sheet or mind map.
In the Linear Arrangement Questions for Law Entrance Exam, clues are presented in two types: definite and probable. Definite clues offer explicit information, whereas probable clues are conditional.
Example: Definite: C sits third to the right of D. Probable: E might sit next to F or G.
Start with the definite clues. They give you a strong foundation.
While translating words into visual symbols might seem elementary, it's a lifesaver. This method is not only expedient but also reduces the chances of errors.
Example: For "X is to the immediate right of Y", you could represent it as Y > X.
After interpreting the initial clues, try to find links or chains connecting different information pieces. This will enable a more comprehensive arrangement.
Example: If you know A is to the left of B, and B is next to C, then the sequence becomes A-B-C.
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It's quintessential to double back and ensure that your arrangement aligns with all the given clues. Mistakes are bound to happen; it's the rectification that counts.
Sometimes, a clue may lead to multiple possible arrangements. In such scenarios, don't hesitate to sketch out all potential sequences. This tactic is often termed as the 'branching method'.
Example: If H can sit either beside I or J, sketch both possibilities. Later clues may help confirm the correct sequence.
While solving linear arrangement questions, it's essential to be mindful of common mistakes that can lead to losing marks. Some common ways to increase marks are to avoid the pitfalls mentioned below:
Common Error | How to Avoid |
---|---|
Misinterpreting clues | Read each clue carefully. If needed, re-read the clue multiple times until its meaning is clear. |
Overlooking clues | Highlight or underline each clue as you read it. This ensures that no clue is left unattended. |
Not making comprehensive notes or diagrams. | Use a systematic approach. Create diagrams, tables, or symbolic representations to understand and track information visually. |
Jumping to conclusions without verifying | Always cross-check the arrangement with all the given clues before finalizing the answer. |
Not considering all possibilities. | When stuck, explore alternative configurations. Some clues might offer multiple possible arrangements. |
Mixing up positions (e.g., confusing left with right) | Develop a consistent method. For example, always consider 'left' as your left while visualizing. |
Overlooking the 'not' keyword in negative clues | Highlight or mark negative clues distinctly. They often provide crucial information. |
Getting confused by relative positions | When a clue says, "A is to the left of B," ensure you remember it doesn't mean immediately to the left unless specified. |
Not updating the arrangement with new information. | As you gather more clues, continuously refine and update your arrangement. This is iterative. |
Time mismanagement | Practice! The more you practice, the quicker you'll pick up on patterns and apply clues. Set a timer during practice sessions to simulate exam conditions. |
To help you get an idea about the type of questions asked in the exam, we have provided a few questions for your reference here.
These questions are based on the given information. A group of eight people, namely K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, and R, sit in a row (not necessarily in the same order). Four of them are facing north, and the remaining four are facing south.
They belong to professions such as Professor, Scientist, Musician, Beautician, Teacher, Lawyer, Architect, and Principal.
(i). P faces north and sits at the right end.
(ii). Either the Lawyer or Principal (but not both) is adjacent to the Musician whose neighbours face south.
(iii). M is a Professor and sits adjacent to the Scientist. The beautician sits three places away to the right of the lawyer.
(iv). N, the Principal, sits second to the right of O.
(v). Musician faces the same direction as P and sits second to the left of P.
(vi). R is the Scientist who is to the immediate left of the Architect and faces south.
(vii). K is neither a Principal nor a Lawyer. L and Scientist are neighbours of the Architect.
(viii) The Musician sits three places away from the Architect and is to the immediate right of K.
1. Who sits second to the left of N?
(a). The Architect.
(b). The Teacher.
(c). O
(d). K
Answer: (d). K
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2. Who are the neighbours of the Lawyer?
(a). N and Architect.
(b). O and Scientist.
(c). O and Principal.
(d). Both (A) and (C).
Answer: (d). Both (A) and (C).
3. Which among the following statements is true?
(a). Teacher sits at the left end.
(b). L is not a Beautician.
(c). O is an Architect.
(d). Both (B) and (C).
Answer: (d). Both (b). And (c).
4. Three of the following are alike in a certain way, hence forming a group. Which is the one that does not belong to that group?
(a). O - Architect.
(b). P - Beautician.
(c). N - Principal.
(d). R - Scientist.
Answer: (b). P - Beautician.
Solution:
In this question, it is given that a group of eight people, namely K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, and R, are sitting in a row (not necessarily in the same order). Four of them face north, and the remaining four face south.
This question is about Linear Arrangement.
The statements are,
(i). P faces north and sits at the right end.
(ii). Either the Lawyer or Principal (but not both) is adjacent to the Musician whose neighbours face south.
(iii). M is a Professor and sits adjacent to the Scientist. The beautician sits three places away to the right of the lawyer.
(iv). N, the Principal, sits second to the right of O.
(v). Musician faces the same direction as P and sits second to the left of P.
(vi). R is the Scientist who is to the immediate left of the Architect and faces south.
(vii). K is neither a Principal nor a Lawyer. L and Scientist are neighbours of the Architect.
(viii) The Musician sits three places away from the Architect and is to the immediate right of K.
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The below linear arrangement shows the arrangement made on the basis of the statement given in the exam.
To solve this type of question, you have to take every possible way to make the arrangement.
Now see question 1,
The question says that who sits second to the left of N
As you can see in the above linear arrangement
It is given clearly that N faces South, and he is a principal.
So,
It is clear that K, who is a beautician, sits second to the left of N.
Now see question 2,
The question says that who are the neighbours of the Lawyers
As per the above linear arrangement
L, who faces north, is a Lawyer.
So, the neighbour of the lawyer is N who faces south and is a principal
And O, who faces North and is an Architect.
So as per the options given
It is clear that N and architect, i.e. option (a).
And O and principal i.e. (c). Is the correct option?
Now see question 3,
The question says which statement is true from the given statements.
The statements are -
(a). Teacher sits at the left end.
(b). L is not a Beautician.
(c). O is an Architect.
(d). Both (B) and (C).
As per the above linear arrangement,
Option (a). This is false because, as per the above linear arrangement, P, which faces north, is a teacher, and the teacher sits at the right end.
Option (b). This is true because, as per the above linear arrangement, L is not a beautician because L is a lawyer and K is a beautician.
Option (c). This is true because O is an architect and faces north as per the above linear arrangement.
So option (d) is correct, which says that both options (b) and (c) are true.
Now see question 4,
The question says that three of the following are alike in a certain way, hence forming a group, which is the one that does not belong to that group.
See option (a). O - Architect. O the architect faces north
(b). P - Beautician. P faces north, but he is not a beautician. He is a teacher.
(c). N - Principal. N faces south and is a principal.
(d). R - Scientist. R faces south and is a scientist.
The correct is option (b) because other options form a group, and only option (b) does not belong to that group.
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These questions are based on the following information.
Four boys, K, L, M, and N sit in Row I facing north, and they are from different professions, such as engineers, doctors, professors, and actors.
Four girls, P, Q, R, and S, sit in Row II facing south, and they are of different professions, such as Lawyer, Teacher, Director, and Collector.
They sit so that the distance between any two adjacent persons in a row is the same such that one person in one row faces the other person in the other row, but not necessarily in the same order.
The collector sits opposite the person who sits third to the right of N. Doctor and Teacher sit opposite each other. The engineer sits opposite the person who sits third to the left of R. Only one person sits between K and L. R sits second to the right of S, the Director.
P does not sit opposite to Engineer, and K is neither an Engineer nor a Doctor. The lawyer does not sit opposite the Actor.
1. Who is the Doctor?
(a). K
(b). M
(c). L
(d). N
Answer: (d). N
2. Who sits opposite the Director?
(a). Actor.
(b). Professor.
(c). L
(d). K
Answer: (a). Actor.
3. Which of the following ‘person - profession’ combinations is correct?
(a). P - Director.
(b). S - Collector.
(c). M - Actor.
(d). N - Engineer.
Answer: (c). M - Actor.
4. What is the position of P with respect to R?
(a). Immediate Right.
(b). Immediate Left.
(c). Second to the Right.
(d). Second to the Left.
Answer: (b). Immediate Left.
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Solution:
In this question, it is given that K, L, M, and N are sitting in row 1 and are facing North, and they are from different professions, such as Engineer, Doctor, Professor and Actor.
P, Q, R, and S are sitting in row 2 and are facing South, and they are of different professions, such as Lawyer, Teacher, Director, and Collector.
They sit so that the distance between any two adjacent persons in a row is the same such that one person in one row faces the other person in the other row, but not necessarily in the same order.
This question is about Linear Arrangement.
The statement is,
The Collector sits opposite the person who sits third to the right of N. Doctor and Teacher sit opposite to each other. The engineer sits opposite the person who sits third to the left of R. Only one person sits between K and L. R sits second to the right of S, the Director.
P does not sit opposite to Engineer, and K is neither an Engineer nor a Doctor. The lawyer does not sit opposite the Actor.
The below linear arrangement shows the arrangement made on the basis of the statement given in the exam.
To solve this type of question, you must take every possible way to make the arrangement.
Now see question 1,
The question says, who is the doctor?
So, as per the above linear arrangement
We can see that the Doctor is sitting in row I facing north.
And see the linear arrangement, it is mentioned clearly that N is the doctor.
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Now see question 2,
The question says who sits opposite the director.
So, see the above linear arrangement
We can see that the director is sitting in row II facing south.
S is the director and faces the south side.
M, the actor, is sitting opposite S, the director.
Now see question 3,
The question says which of the following ‘person - profession’ combinations is correct.
So we have to find the correct combination of person and profession from the option given in the question.
See the given options.
(a). P - Director - This combination is wrong because P is a lawyer, and S is a director as per the above linear arrangement.
(b). S - Collector - This combination is wrong because S is a director, and Q is a collector as per the above linear arrangement.
(c). M - Actor - This combination is right because as per the above linear arrangement, it is given that M is an actor and faces north.
(d). N - Engineer - This combination is wrong because N is a doctor, and L is an engineer as per the above linear arrangement.
So option (c) is right.
Now see question 4,
The question asks, what is P's position with respect to R?
So, as we know that P and R sit in the same row, i.e. row II, which faces towards the south.
As per the above linear arrangement,
We can see the position of P with respect to R.
The position of P with respect to R is that P is sitting to the immediate left of R.
Question 3: Direction (1 - 3): Study the following information to answer the given questions.
Eight people are sitting in two parallel rows containing four people each. In such a way that there is an equal distance between adjacent persons. In row - 1, A, B, C, and D are seated (but not necessarily in the same order), and all of them are facing North.
In row - 2, P, Q, R, and S are seated (but not necessarily in the same order), all facing South. Therefore, in the given sitting arrangement, each member in a row faces another member of the other row.
S sits second to the left of Q. A faces the immediate neighbour of S. Only one person sits between A and C. P does not face A. B is not an immediate neighbour of A.
1. Which of the following is true regarding D?
(a). D sits at one of the extreme ends of the line.
(b). A sits to the immediate left of D
(c). Q faces D
(d). C is an immediate neighbour of D.
Answer: (d) C is an immediate neighbour of D
2. Who amongst the following faces C?
(a). P
(b). Q
(c). R
(d). S
Answer: (a) P
3. Who amongst the following sits to the immediate right of the person who faces C?
(a). P
(b). Q
(c). R
(d). S
Answer: (b) Q
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Explanation:
In this question, it is given that A, B, C, and D are sitting in row 1 and are facing North. And P, Q, R, and S are sitting in row 2 and are facing South.
It is given that all the members seated in a row face another member of the other row.
This question is about Linear Arrangement
The statement is,
S sits second to the left of Q. A faces the immediate neighbour of S. Only one person sits between A and C. P does not face A. B is not an immediate neighbour of A.
The below linear arrangement shows the arrangement made on the basis of the statement given in the exam.
To solve this type of question, you must take every possible way to make the arrangement.
Now see question 1,
It says which statement is true regarding D
(a). D sits at one of the extreme ends of the line. - this statement is false, as you can see in the above arrangement, that B and A sit at the extreme ends of the line.
(b). A sits to the immediate left of D - this statement is also false because A sits to the immediate right of D, not the immediate left of D.
(c). Q faces D - this statement is also false because, as you can see in the above linear arrangement, D faces S, not Q.
(d). C is an immediate neighbour of D - this statement is true regarding D because C is an immediate neighbour of D, as shown in the above linear arrangement.
Now see question 2,
It says who faces C
As you see the above linear arrangement, it is clear that P faces C
Now see question 3,
It says who sits to the immediate right of the person who faces C.
As you see the above linear arrangement, it is clear that C faces P, and on the immediate right of P, it is Q. So, Q sits to the immediate right of the person who faces C.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H are sitting in a straight line equidistant from each other (but not necessarily in the same order). Some of them are facing south, while some are facing north.
Note: Facing the same directions means if one is north, the other is also facing north and vice versa.
Facing the opposite direction means if one is facing north, then the other is facing south and vice versa.
H faces north. C sits at one of the extreme ends of the line. A sits third to the left of C. D is not an immediate neighbour of C. G sits third to the right of A. B sits on the immediate right of G. B does not sit at any of the extreme ends of the line.
Only one person sits between F and D. G sits second to the left of F. E sits second to the right of B. Both the immediate neighbours of G face the same direction. Both the immediate neighbours of A face opposite directions. E faces the same direction as B.
1. Who amongst the following sits second to the right of F?
(a). H
(b). D
(c). C
(d). G
(e). A
Answer: (b). D.
2. Which of the following is true with respect to the given information?
(a). G sits at one of the extreme ends of the line.
(b). B sits exactly between A and F.
(c). B sits third to the right of E.
(d). A face north.
(e). A sits second to the left of B.
Answer: (e). A sits second to the left of B.
3. How many persons in the given arrangement are facing North?
(a). Four
(b). One
(c). Three
(d). Six
(e). More than four
Answer: (a). Four.
4. Four of the following five are alike in a certain way and so form a group. Which of the following does not belong to the group?
(a). B, A
(b). D, C
(c). E, B
(d). A, E
(e). G, F
Answer: (b). D, C.
Solution:
This question shows that A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H are sitting in a straight line.
It is given that all the members are seated in one straight line, and some of the members are facing towards the north, and some are facing towards the south.
This question is about Linear Arrangement.
The statement is,
H faces north. C sits at one of the extreme ends of the line. A sits third to the left of C. D is not an immediate neighbour of C. G sits third to the right of A. B sits on the immediate right of G. B does not sit at any of the extreme ends of the line.
Only one person sits between F and D. G sits second to the left of F. E sits second to the right of B. Both the immediate neighbours of G face the same direction. Both the immediate neighbours of A face opposite directions. E faces the same direction as B.
The below linear arrangement shows the arrangement made on the basis of the statement given in the exam.
To solve this type of question, you must take every possible way to make the arrangement.
Now see question 1,
The question says who amongst the following sits second to the right of F.
See the above linear arrangement,
You will see that F is facing north, and second, to the right, F is D, who is facing south.
Now see question 2,
The question says which of the following is true with respect to the given information.
Now see the option given in the question and find the true statement.
The options are -
(a). G sits at one of the extreme ends of the line - This statement is false because, as per the above linear arrangement, G is sitting second from the left end and is facing towards the north.
(b). B sits exactly between A and F - This statement is false because as per the above linear arrangement, we can see that B is facing south and B is sitting between G and F and not A and F.
(c). B sits third to the right of E - This statement is false because as per the above linear arrangement, it is clear that E is sitting at the extreme left end and is facing south. So nobody will be sitting on the right side of E, and B is sitting second to the left of E.
(d). A face north - This statement is false because as per the above linear arrangement and the information given in the question, it is clear that A faces towards the south, not north.
(e). A sits second to the left of B - This statement is true because as per the above linear arrangement, it is clear that B is facing towards the south, and the second left from B is A. This statement is true.
Now see question 3,
The question says How many persons in the given arrangement are facing North?
Now see the above linear arrangement,
We will get to know that four people are facing north.
Those four people are G, F, H, and C.
Now see question 4,
The question says four of the following five are alike in a certain way, and so form a group. Which of the following does not belong to the group?
Now see the above linear arrangement,
Now see the groups which are given in the options and find the odd one out.
The options are -
(a). B, A - B, and A form a group because B and A are facing towards the south. Which is the same and can be a reason to form a group.
(b). D, C - D and C does not form a group because D faces towards the south and C faces towards the north. So both D and C face different sides, so why do they not form a group?
(c). E, B - E and B form a group because E and B both face towards the south. This is the reason they form a group.
(d). A, E - A and E form a group because both A and E face towards the south. This is the reason they form a group.
(e). G, F - G and F form a group because both G and F face towards the north. This is the reason they form a group.
Ten people are sitting in two parallel rows containing five people each in such a way that there is equal distance between adjacent persons.
In row 1, J, K, L, M and N are seated, and all are facing North and in row 2, P, Q, R, S and T are seated and facing south. (but not necessarily in the same order).
Each person also likes a different cartoon character: Batman, Ben 10, Dexter, Donald Duck, Tom, Jerry, Noddy, Oswald, Superman and Spiderman (not necessarily in the same order).
N sits exactly in the centre of the row and faces the one who likes Tom. Only one person sits between S and the one who likes Tom. S faces one of the immediate neighbours of the one who likes Jerry. Only two people sit between K and the one who likes Jerry. K faces the one who likes Oswald. P faces one of the immediate neighbours L. P does not like Oswald. M is an immediate neighbour of L.
The one who likes Donald Duck is not an immediate neighbour of L. T is not an immediate neighbour of P and faces the one who likes Ben 10. R faces the one who likes Superman. The one who likes Spiderman faces north. P does not face the one who likes Spiderman. The one who likes Batman sits on the immediate right of the person who likes Noddy. S does not like Batman.
1. Which of the following pairs represents the people sitting at the extreme ends of two rows?
(a). S, M
(b). Q, L
(c). P, N
(d). Q, J
(e). R, L
Answer: (a). S, M
2. Who amongst the following likes Donald Duck?
(a). S
(b). P
(c). T
(d). R
(e). Q
Answer: (d). R
3. Who amongst the following is the immediate neighbour of the one who likes Spiderman?
(a). The one who likes Jerry.
(b). The one who likes Noddy.
(c). K
(d). The one who likes Ben 10.
(e). T
Answer: (a). The one who likes Jerry.
4. Which of the following cartoon characters does T like?
(a). Batman
(b). Tom
(c). Jerry
(d). Noddy
(e). Oswald
Answer: (e). Oswald.
Solution:
In this question, it is given that J, K, L, M, and N are sitting in row 1 and are facing North. And P, Q, R, S, and T are sitting in row 2 and are facing South.
Each person also likes a different cartoon character: Batman, Ben 10, Dexter, Donald Duck, Tom, Jerry, Noddy, Oswald, Superman and Spiderman (not necessarily in the same order).
It is given that all the members seated in a row face another member of the other row.
This question is about Linear Arrangement
The statement is,
N sits exactly in the centre of the row and faces the one who likes Tom. Only one person sits between S and the one who likes Tom. S faces one of the immediate neighbours of the one who likes Jerry. Only two people sit between K and the one who likes Jerry. K faces the one who likes Oswald. P faces one of the immediate neighbours of L. P does not like Oswald. M is an immediate neighbour of L.
The one who likes Donald Duck is not an immediate neighbour of L. T is not an immediate neighbour of P and faces the one who likes Ben 10. R faces the one who likes Superman. The one who likes Spiderman faces north. P does not face the one who likes Spiderman. The one who likes Batman sits on the immediate right of the person who likes Noddy. S does not like Batman.
The below linear arrangement shows the arrangement made on the basis of the statement given in the exam.
To solve this type of question, you must take every possible way to make the arrangement.
As you conclude this blog with tips to solve Linear Arrangement Questions for Law Entrance Exams, keep these key takeaways in mind:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linear Arrangement and Seating Arrangement the same?
What are the types of seating arrangement?
What is the concept of Linear Arrangement?
What is the fastest way to solve a seating arrangement?
What is the difference between puzzle and seating arrangement?
What are Linear Arrangement questions in the context of Law Entrance Exams 2024?
Are there different complexities or types of Linear Arrangement problems?
How much weightage do Linear Arrangement questions have in the 2024 Law Entrance Exam?
What strategies are best to tackle Linear Arrangement questions?
How much time should candidates allocate to Linear Arrangement questions during the exam?