Question

N ranks fifth in a class. S is eighth from the last. T is sixth after N and just in the middle of N and S. How many students are there in the class?

• A. 24
• B. 25
• C. 26
• D. 27

Hint:

When solving ranking problems, use relative positions to deduce the total number of items or people involved.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

We are given the following information:
1. N ranks fifth in the class.
2. S is eighth from the last.
3. T is sixth after N and just in the middle of N and S.
Let's break it down:
- Step 1: Understand the position of N
Since N ranks fifth, N's position is 5th from the top.
- Step 2: Understand the position of S
S is eighth from the last. Therefore, if there are \( x \) students in the class, the position of S from the top is \( x - 8 + 1 = x - 7 \).
- Step 3: Position of T
T is six ranks after N. Since N is in the 5th position, T must be in the 5 + 6 = 11th position.
- Step 4: T is in the middle of N and S
We are told that T is just in the middle of N and S. Therefore, the total number of students between N and S must be twice the number of students between N and T. The number of students between N and T is \( 11 - 5 = 6 \), so the total number of students between N and S is \( 6 \times 2 = 12 \). Hence, the position of S is \( 5 + 12 = 17 \). - Step 5: Calculate the total number of students
Since S is in the 17th position and S is 8th from the last, the total number of students in the class is \( 17 + 7 = 25 \).
Thus, the number of students in the class is 25.