shashank.ism wrote:There are seven coconut trees in Baghban's garden. Baghban has named his trees as Amitabh, Hrithik, Chunky, Dilip, Fardeen, Feroz and Govinda. The trees are standing in increasing order of their heights, which is not the same as the above order of names. It is known that their heights (in feet) are seven consecutive integral values between 1 and 10 (both inclusive). Further, following clues are given about their positions.

I. Amitabh is 3 ft taller than Dilip.
II. Hrithik stands in the middle of the row of seven trees.
III. The difference in the heights of Feroz and Hrithik, Feroz being shorter, is same as the difference
in the heights of Chunky and Dilip, Chunky being taller.
IV. Feroz is shorter than Govinda.

Difference in heights of Fardeen and Hrithik is same as the difference between the heights of Dilip and which tree?

a) Amitabh
b) Hrithik
c) Chunky
d) Fardeen
e) None of these

Denoting the positions as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 from left to right in increasing order of heights (these are not heights), we know that Hrithik is in position 4. Also Amitabh - Dilip = 3. Thus, Amitabh cannot come in position 7 since then Dilip would have to come in position 4, which is already occupied. Also Amitabh has to be greater than 3 or else Dilip would be negative. Thus, only positions for Amitabh are 5 and 6. Assume one of them and proceed.

If Amitabh is in position 6: Dilip is in positon 3. Also Hrithik - Feroz = Chunky - Dilip. Feroz being shorter than Hrithik can come in positions 1 or 2. If Feroz is in position 1, Chunky has to be in position 6. Not possible. Thus, Feroz can be only in position 2 and Chunky in position 5. Left positions are 1 and 7 and since Feroz is shorter than Govinda, Govinda is in position 7 and Fardeen in position 1. If Amitabh is in position 5: Dilip is in position 2. Using the same logic as above, Feroz can be in position 1 or 3 and accordingly Chunky will be in position 5 or 3. Both of these is not possible. Thus, Amitabh cannot be in position 5.

[spoiler]Thus, final position:
Fardeen < Feroz < Dilip < Hrithik < Chunky < Amitabh < Govinda[/spoiler]

amazing!