1992 AJHSME Problems/Problem 19

Problem

The distance between the $5^\text{th}$ and $26^\text{th}$ exits on an interstate highway is $118$ miles. If any two consecutive exits are at least $5$ miles apart, then what is the largest number of miles there can be between two consecutive exits that are between the $5^\text{th}$ and $26^\text{th}$ exits?

$\text{(A)}\ 8 \qquad \text{(B)}\ 13 \qquad \text{(C)}\ 18 \qquad \text{(D)}\ 47 \qquad \text{(E)}\ 98$

Solution

There are $21$ pairs of consecutive exits. To find the maximum number of miles of one of these, the other $20$ must be equal to the minimum number yielding a total of $(5)(20)=100$ miles. The longest distance must be $118-100=\boxed{\text{(C)}\ 18}$.

See Also

1992 AJHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 18
Followed by
Problem 20
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All AJHSME/AMC 8 Problems and Solutions

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