In how many different ways can the letters of the word 'DETAIL' be arranged in such a way that the vowels occupy only the odd positions?

ANS:C - 36

There are 6 letters in the given word, out of which there are 3 vowels and 3 consonants. Let us mark these positions as under: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Now, 3 vowels can be placed at any of the three places out 4, marked 1, 3, 5. Number of ways of arranging the vowels = ³P₃ = 3! = 6. Also, the 3 consonants can be arranged at the remaining 3 positions. Number of ways of these arrangements = ³P₃ = 3! = 6. Total number of ways = (6 x 6) = 36.