2024 AMC 8 Problem 6
Below is the video solution and professionally curated solution for Problem 6 of the 2024 AMC 8, from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2024 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).
Difficulty rating: 1070
6.
Sergei skated around an ice rink, gliding along different paths. The marked lines in the figures below show four of the paths labeled P, Q, R, and S. What is the sorted order of the four paths from shortest to longest?
P, Q, R, S
P, R, S, Q
Q, S, P, R
R, P, S, Q
R, S, P, Q
Video solution:
Click to load, then click again to play
Written solution:
Path R is shortest because it replaces curved arc portions with straight-line chords. Path Q is longest because it includes the most interior crossing distance while still using the curved ends.
It remains to compare paths P and S. The relevant straight piece in path S is a diagonal across the rink, while the corresponding straight piece in path P is a side of the same right triangle. A diagonal is longer than a side, so path S is longer than path P.
The order from shortest to longest is R, P, S, Q.
Thus, D is the correct answer.
Problem 6 in Other Years
1985 AMC 8 · 1986 AMC 8 · 1987 AMC 8 · 1988 AMC 8 · 1989 AMC 8 · 1990 AMC 8 · 1991 AMC 8 · 1992 AMC 8 · 1993 AMC 8 · 1994 AMC 8 · 1995 AMC 8 · 1996 AMC 8 · 1997 AMC 8 · 1998 AMC 8 · 1999 AMC 8 · 2000 AMC 8 · 2001 AMC 8 · 2002 AMC 8 · 2003 AMC 8 · 2004 AMC 8 · 2005 AMC 8 · 2006 AMC 8 · 2007 AMC 8 · 2008 AMC 8 · 2009 AMC 8 · 2010 AMC 8 · 2011 AMC 8 · 2012 AMC 8 · 2013 AMC 8 · 2014 AMC 8 · 2015 AMC 8 · 2016 AMC 8 · 2017 AMC 8 · 2018 AMC 8 · 2019 AMC 8 · 2020 AMC 8 · 2022 AMC 8 · 2023 AMC 8 · 2025 AMC 8 · 2026 AMC 8