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.
Which of the following is true for any individual at a platform of height 1 m in this layout?
Correct Answer :
They cannot be reached by anyone
Solution :
The correct option is D.
Let us find all the platforms that have a height of 1 m in the layout:
1. Row 1, Column 2 (Height 1)
2. Row 4, Column 4 (Height 1)
3. Row 5, Column 1 (Height 1)
For any individual A to reach another individual B, the height of A must be strictly less than the height of B (Condition ii: A is at a lower height than B).
Since 1 m is the absolute minimum height of any platform in this layout, there is no platform with a height less than 1 m. Therefore, no individual can be at a lower height than 1 m to reach them.
Thus, any individual at a platform of height 1 m cannot be reached by anyone.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
