2020 AMC 8 Problem 6

Below is the video solution and professionally curated solution for Problem 6 of the 2020 AMC 8, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2020 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All of the real AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, and AIME problems in our complete solution collection are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

Concepts:logical deductioncasework

Difficulty rating: 960

6.

Aaron, Darren, Karen, Maren, and Sharon rode on a small train that has five cars that seat one person each. Maren sat in the last car. Aaron sat directly behind Sharon. Darren sat in one of the cars in front of Aaron. At least one person sat between Karen and Darren. Who sat in the middle car?

Aaron

Darren

Karen

Maren

Sharon

Video solution:
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Written solution:

Maren is in the last car. Since Aaron is directly behind Sharon and Darren is in front of Aaron, the possible placements of Darren, Sharon, and Aaron before Maren are limited.

If Sharon and Aaron were in cars 11 and 2,2, Darren could not be in front of Aaron. If they were in cars 33 and 4,4, then Darren and Karen would have to occupy cars 11 and 2,2, which are adjacent.

Thus Sharon and Aaron must be in cars 22 and 3.3. Darren is then in car 1,1, Karen is in car 4,4, and Aaron is in the middle car.

Thus, the correct answer is A.

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