Question

The $16$ squares on a piece of paper are numbered as shown in the diagram. While lying on a table, the paper is folded in half four times in the following sequence:

(1) fold the top half over the bottom half; (2) fold the bottom half over the top half; (3) fold the right half over the left half; (4) fold the left half over the right half.

Which numbered square is on top after step $4?$

$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 \\ \hline 5 & 6 & 7 & 8 \\ \hline 9 & 10 & 11 & 12 \\ \hline 13 & 14 & 15 & 16 \\ \hline \end{array}$

$1$

$9$

$10$

$14$

$16$

Solution:

Fold $1$ (top over bottom) leaves squares $9\text{–}16$ on the bottom. Fold $2$ (bottom over top) leaves $9\text{–}12$ on the bottom. Fold $3$ (right over left) leaves $9$ and $10$ on the bottom.

Fold $4$ (left over right) puts $10$ on the bottom and brings $9$ to the top.

Thus, the correct answer is B .

1991 AMC 8 Problem 16

Solution:

Problem 16 in Other Years