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This puzzle can be solved by making two seperate matrixes and then comparing the information on the charts.
The matrixes should have the rows named after the guests, and the columns labeled 1-6. In one matrix, this 1-6 represents chair numbers. In the other, it represents the order in which each guest sat down.
First of all, we know the mouse sat down last, so we can cross off anyone else from being the sixth guest.
We also know that the hare moved all three times, meaning he sat down first or second. Because by the time the first move occured, no-one had been to side B yet, we also know that he could only have sat in chairs 1 or 2. Chair 3 won't work, because the move would put him on side B.
We also know that I started on side B. This means I can't sit down first or second. Because the hatter has to sit down after me, and he can't sit down last, I also can't be the fifth guest.
Now, because I have to start on side B, I didn't sit down in chairs 1-3. And I couldn't sit down in chair 4, becuse since I had to sit down third or later, I wouldn't be part of enough moves to end me on side A.
Along with this, the rabbit, who has to be in chair 6 when I'm in chair 1, can't have sat down in chair 1-3.
Now, we know the mouse sat down in an odd numbered chair (make the proper changes to your chart). This means Alice, who end up next to him, had to sit in an even numbered chair, and the hare, who sits next to her, had to sit in an odd numbered chair. This tells us, with what we already know, that the hare had to sit in chair 1. Now we know the hare ahd to also sit down first, because he can only sit down first or second in chair 1, and the first person has to sit in chair 1 (based on the clues). If it wasn't him sitting first, then the chair is already taken when he has to sit down next. Thus, he is the first guest.
Now back to order: we know the Rabbit, Me, and the Hatter showed up in that order. Therefore: the rabbit could only have sat down 2nd through 3rd, I could only sit down 3rd or 4th, and the hatter could only sit down 4th or 5th. There is a restriction placed on the first two chairs taken (Clue 3 tells us they have to be chairs 1 or 2). The hatter and Alice are the only guests left who can take chair 2, and the hatter can't sit down until later, so we know Alice choose chair two. Coincidentally, the Hatter also chooses chair 2, but at a latter time. Now we know Alice sat down second. Looking at our matrix should show that there is only one guest now who can be guest five: the hatter. Again going by what's left, this means I sat down 4th, and the Rabbit sat down third.
Now we have to finish figuring out the chairs. We know where Alice ends up by the time the mouse sits down. This tells us that the mouse sits down in chair 5. Now we can figure out where the Rabbit and I had to sit so that we were across from eachother when I was at chair 1. This tells us that the Rabbit sat in chair 5, then I sat in chair 6, and we moved (because I was guest 4) so that we were facing each other.
The question is, where did I end up. Well, now that we know where everyone sat we can follow the order:
Hare sits in 1.
Alice sits in 2. (Hare is now in 2, and Alice is now in 3)
Rabbit sits in 5.
I sit in 6. (Hare is now 3, Alice is 4, Rabbit is 6, I am 1).
Hatter sits in 2.
Mouse sits in 5. (Hare is now 4, Alice is 5, Rabbit is 1, I am 2, Hatter is 3, and Mouse is 6)
I was sitting in chair 2.
As for the bonus question, some of you may have guessed why the mouse sat down last. It was because I was the Cat, and no one had told the poor thing I was coming. |
