GATE CE 2026 Set 2 — Question 9

MCQ+2 / -0.67MediumDeduction & InductionAnalytical AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Analytical Aptitude → Deduction & Induction

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

The Roman senator Meritorius, his brother, his son, and his daughter have varying oratory skill levels. They are seated in rows and columns as shown in the figure with exactly one person sitting in each box. It is known that (i) Meritorius’ daughter and his brother are seated in the same column. (ii) His son is seated diagonally across the sibling of the worst orator. (iii) The best and worst orators are seated in the same row. Who is the best orator?

Correct answer (B) Meritorius’ brother Solution Let the people be Meritorius (M), Brother (B), Son (S), and Daughter (D). Siblings are (M, B) and (S, D). From (i), D and B are in the same column. Let's say Column 1. Then M and S must be in Column 2. From (iii), the Best and Worst orators are in the same row. Let's test the case where Best = Brother (B). Then Worst must be Meritorius (M) to be in the same row (since B is in Col 1 and M is in Col 2). Suppose B is at Row 2, Col 1 and M is at Row 2, Col 2. Then D must be at Row 1, Col 1 (same column as B). S must be at Row 1, Col 2 (remaining spot). Check condition (ii): Son (S) is seated diagonally across the sibling of the worst orator. Worst orator is M. Sibling of M is B. S is at (1, 2) and B is at (2, 1). They are indeed diagonally across from each other. This configuration satisfies all conditions: D and B in Col 1 (i) S (1,2) diagonal to B (2,1), where B is sibling of Worst M (ii) Best B and Worst M in Row 2 (iii) Therefore, the best orator is Meritorius’ brother. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (B) Meritorius’ brother Solution Let the people be Meritorius (M), Brother (B), Son (S), and Daughter (D). Siblings are (M, B) and (S, D). From (i), D and B are in the same column. Let's say Column 1. Then M and S must be in Column 2. From (iii), the Best and Worst orators are in the same row. Let's test the case where Best = Brother (B). Then Worst must be Meritorius (M) to be in the same row (since B is in Col 1 and M is in Col 2). Suppose B is at Row 2, Col 1 and M is at Row 2, Col 2. Then D must be at Row 1, Col 1 (same column as B). S must be at Row 1, Col 2 (remaining spot). Check condition (ii): Son (S) is seated diagonally across the sibling of the worst orator. Worst orator is M. Sibling of M is B. S is at (1, 2) and B is at (2, 1). They are indeed diagonally across from each other. This configuration satisfies all conditions: D and B in Col 1 (i) S (1,2) diagonal to B (2,1), where B is sibling of Worst M (ii) Best B and Worst M in Row 2 (iii) Therefore, the best orator is Meritorius’ brother.

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