Correct Option (2)
The total number of boys in the row can be determined by establishing the position of a common individual from both ends of the row.
- 'A' is sixteenth from the left end. This implies there are 15 boys to the left of 'A'.
- 'G' is eleventh from 'A' towards the right. This means there are 10 boys positioned between 'A' and 'G'. Consequently, 'G' is at the (16 + 11) = 27th position from the left end.
- 'V' is eighteenth from the right end.
- 'G' is third from 'V' towards the right end. This indicates that 'G' is three positions closer to the right end than 'V'. Therefore, 'G' is at the (18 - 3) = 15th position from the right end.
Using 'G's position from both ends, the total number of boys in the row is calculated as:
Total boys = (Position of 'G' from left) + (Position of 'G' from right) - 1
Total boys = 27 + 15 - 1 = 42 - 1 = 41.
Alternatively, by summing the segments:
- Boys to the left of 'A' = 15
- 'A' = 1
- Boys between 'A' and 'G' = 10
- 'G' = 1
- Boys to the right of 'G' = 14 (since 'G' is 15th from the right end, there are 14 boys to its right)
Total boys = 15 + 1 + 10 + 1 + 14 = 41.
Incorrect Options:
The problem provides sufficient data to precisely determine the number of boys in the row. Options 1 (40) and 3 (42) would result from miscalculations, such as errors in determining relative positions or incorrect application of the formula for total individuals in a linear arrangement. Option 4 ('Cannot be determined due to insufficient data') is incorrect as the given information allows for a definitive calculation of the total number of boys.