Introduction
The Direction Between Two People pattern tests your ability to find the facing direction or relative position of one person with respect to another. These questions involve words like left of, right of, in front of, behind, facing each other, and require visualizing both people on a compass.
This concept is crucial for reasoning tests because it blends directional sense with spatial relations - common in SSC, Bank, and aptitude exams.
Pattern: Direction Between Two People
Pattern
The key concept: Convert relational phrases (left/right/in front/behind) into absolute compass directions using each person’s facing direction.
- “Left of A” → depends on which way A faces.
- “Right of A” → opposite side of left relative to A’s facing.
- “In front of A” → direction A is facing.
- “Behind A” → opposite to A’s facing.
- When people face each other, their left and right sides swap in interpretation.
- When they face the same direction, both left/right sides remain consistent.
Step-by-Step Example
Question
A is facing East. B is to the left of A. Both A and B face each other. Which direction is B facing?
Solution
-
Step 1: Identify A’s facing direction
A faces East. -
Step 2: Determine B’s relative position
Left of East = North. So, B is positioned North of A. -
Step 3: Apply “face each other” rule
If A and B face each other, they must face opposite directions along the line connecting them.
Since B is North of A, the line connecting them is North-South. Thus, A faces North (toward B), and B faces South (toward A). -
Step 4: Verify directional consistency
A’s initial facing (East) does not affect the final orientation when “face each other” defines their direct facing relationship. -
Final Answer:
South → Option [Answer] -
Quick Check:
B is North of A; to face A, B must face South ✅
Quick Variations
1. Both face the same direction - e.g., A faces North, B is to A’s right → find B’s direction.
2. They face opposite directions - e.g., A faces East, B faces West → determine who is to the left/right.
3. Multi-person chain - e.g., A faces South, B is to A’s left, C is behind B.
4. Mirror logic - “B is to the left of A when both face North” changes when their facings differ.
Trick to Always Use
- Step 1: Fix A’s facing direction on a compass sketch.
- Step 2: Place B accordingly using left/right/front/behind relative to A’s facing.
- Step 3: If they face each other, reverse left-right for B; if same direction, keep it identical.
- Step 4: Verify by drawing two arrows (facing directions) to ensure the relationship makes sense visually.
Summary
Summary
- Always interpret “left/right” relative to the person’s own facing direction.
- When two people face each other, their left and right sides swap.
- When they face the same direction, both sides remain identical.
- Use compass sketches to prevent left-right confusion - visualize each step.
Example to remember:
If A faces North and B is to A’s right, B stands East of A. If they face each other, B faces South.
Hint: When people face the same direction, their facings are identical regardless of relative position.
Common Mistakes: Reversing left/right as if they faced opposite directions.