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Math Competition Problems - Problem of the Week # 9

Updated: Oct 6, 2018

Five points, A, B, C, D, and E, in that order, lie along a circular path. An ant travels around the path, beginning at A, moving on to B, then C, and so on through E, then back around, in alphabetical order. What is the 28th letter it touches?  Source - MOEMS

Math Competition Problems - Problem of the Week # 9
Math Competition Problems - Problem of the Week # 9

A problems from MOEMS for grades 4-6



MOEMS (Math Olympiad) problem
MOEMS (Math Olympiad) problem


So the ant goes ....


Which means every 5th step the Ant takes lands it in E.

Hence the 25th step would also be a E and thus the 28th letter it touches would be C.


Wasn't that easy?

Now try this on your own. This uses the concept of exponents along with units digit understanding (Modular arithmetic)



Post the answer to the problem in the comments section below.

Let's see how many get it right

Those who get it right 5 times in a row will get a free 30 min one-on-one session with me!

If you want to practice more of these problems on your own and prepare for MOEMS competition, then I would highly recommend Math Olympiad Contest Problems for Elementary and Middle Schools. It contains several competition papers along with detailed explanations.

As you also know I'm an Online Math Tutor. I train kids for all elementary school math competitions. I can help your child to be able to solve these kinds of problems easily. To contact me click here. To know more about me and how I work click here.

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