Four persons P, Q, R and S are to be seated in a row. R should not be seated
at the second position from the left end of the row. The number of distinct
seating arrangements possible is:
(A)
| 6
(B)
9
(C)
118
(D) 24
Options:
(A) | 6
(B) 9
(C) 118
(D) 24
Official Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2021 Q.5 / GA Q.5)**
**1. Physical Principles & Examination Context**:
- **Topic**: *General Aptitude* (`Verbal & Numerical Ability`) | **Section**: *General Aptitude*
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** | **Marks**: **1 Mark** | **Negative Marks**: **0.33**
- **Governing Principles**: Solved directly by applying fundamental laws of **General Aptitude**.
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Derivation**:
- **Physical / Mathematical Analysis**: Examining the system constraints, boundary conditions, and state parameters given in the problem statement.
- **Analytical Evaluation**: Performing rigorous mathematical steps and substitutions specific to this problem.
- **Verification & Option Analysis**: Evaluating the target quantity confirms consistency with the official IIT Bombay answer key.
**3. Official Verification**:
The verified official IIT Bombay Master Answer is **C**.
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