Question

Each half of this figure is composed of $3$ red triangles, $5$ blue triangles and $8$ white triangles. When the upper half is folded down over the centerline, $2$ pairs of red triangles coincide, as do $3$ pairs of blue triangles. There are $2$ red-white pairs. How many white pairs coincide?

$4$

$5$

$6$

$7$

$9$

Solution:

Each half has $3$ red, $5$ blue, and $8$ white triangles.

The $2$ red-red pairs use $2$ red triangles from each half, so the remaining red triangle from each half is used in the $2$ red-white pairs. Thus all red triangles are accounted for.

The $3$ blue-blue pairs use $3$ blue triangles from each half, leaving $2$ blue triangles from each half. Since no more blue-blue pairs occur, those $4$ blue triangles must pair with white triangles.

So on each half, $1$ white is used with red and $2$ whites are used with blue, leaving $8-3=5$ white triangles to pair with white triangles.

Thus, B is the correct answer.

2001 AMC 8 Problem 24

Solution:

Problem 24 in Other Years