Two identical straight rods are painted in five distinct colours so that each of them gets divided into five equal parts along th…

Question

Two identical straight rods are painted in five distinct colours so that each of them gets divided into five equal parts along the length. In one of them, the portions are marked P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 (not necessarily in that order) whereas in the other, they are marked Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 and Q5 (not necessarily in that order). When the rods are kept parallel to each other side by side, P1 and Q3 match, P4 matches Q1 or Q2, and Q4 matches P3 or P5. If Q3 and Q5 are adjacent, which of the following is/are possible?

I. Q3 is marked at the middle portion of the straight rod.

II. P2 is marked at one of the extreme portions of the straight rod.

Select the answer using the code given below.

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II (Correct answer)
4. D. Neither I nor II

Correct Answer

Option C — Both I and II

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option C (Both I and II).

Key Points

• Placing the two rods side by side with P1 opposite Q3, then satisfying P4 ↔ (Q1 or Q2) and Q4 ↔ (P3 or P5) with Q3 and Q5 adjacent, yields valid layouts.
• In those layouts it is possible both that Q3 lies in the middle portion (I) and that P2 lies at an extreme end (II).

Additional Information

• Since both configurations can be realised under the given constraints, the answer is Both I and II → Option C.