In a local cinema, a group of six friends decides to watch a comedy together, sitting in a single row. If Alex and Jamie are part of this group but cannot sit adjacent to one another, how many different seating arrangements for the six friends are possible?

Answer Choices

Correct answer marked below

360

420

480

Correct

600

720

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Explanation

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Official Explanation

Official

The total ways to arrange 6 individuals in a row is calculated as 6! = 720. To find the arrangements where Alex and Jamie are sitting next to each other, we treat them as a single unit (AJ). This gives us 5 units to arrange: the AJ unit and the other 4 friends, which can be arranged in 5! ways. Additionally, within the…

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Comments

SiddhiFeb 28, 2025

thanks for the answer

aditiFeb 5, 2025

thanks!

What this question tests

What it tests

Whether you can count arrangements and selections correctly — permutations vs. combinations.

Common trap

Overcounting: treating a selection as ordered when order does not matter, or forgetting to divide by duplicates.