Read the information given below and answer the question that follows.
In a square layout of size 5m × 5m, 25 equal sized square platforms of different heights are built. The heights (in metres) of individual platforms are as shown below:
| 6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| 9 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
| 7 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| 3 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
Individuals (all of same height) are seated on these platforms. We say an individual A can reach an individual B if all the three following conditions are met:
(i) A and B are in the same row or column
(ii) A is at a lower height than B
(iii) If there is/are any individual(s) between A and B, such individual(s) must be at a height lower than that of A.
Thus in the table given above, consider the individual seated at height 8 on 3rd row and 2nd column. He can be reached by four individuals. He can be reached by the individual on his left at height 7, by the two individuals on his right at heights of 4 and 6 and by the individual above at height 5.
Rows in the layout are numbered from top to bottom and columns are numbered from left to right.
We can find two individuals who cannot be reached by anyone in
Correct Answer :
the fourth column
Solution :
The correct option is C.
An individual cannot be reached by anyone if there is no other platform in their row or column that satisfies the reaching conditions.
Let's analyze the fourth column (Column 4) of the layout:
The heights in Column 4 from top to bottom (Row 1 to Row 5) are: 3, 2, 6, 1, 3.
Let's check the individuals in Column 4 who cannot be reached by anyone:
1. Row 2, Column 4 (height 2):
- Left in Row 2: 9, 5, 3. None are less than 2.
- Right in Row 2: 8. 8 is not less than 2.
- Above in Column 4: 3. 3 is not less than 2.
- Below in Column 4: 6. 6 is not less than 2.
Therefore, the individual at Row 2, Column 4 cannot be reached by anyone.
2. Row 4, Column 4 (height 1):
- Since 1 m is the absolute minimum height in the entire layout, this individual cannot be reached by anyone.
Thus, both the individual at Row 2, Column 4 and the individual at Row 4, Column 4 cannot be reached by anyone. Both of these individuals lie in the fourth column.
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