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2014 Math Kangaroo

Problem 1

Problem 1 · 2014 Math Kangaroo Easy
Logic & Word Problems careful-counting

The Mathematical Kangaroo takes place each year on the third Thursday of March. What is the latest possible date on which the competition could take place?

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Answer: D — 21 March
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Hint 1 of 2
The third Thursday is latest when the first Thursday falls as late in March as possible.
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Hint 2 of 2
The first Thursday is latest when March 1st is a Friday; then count two weeks forward.
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Approach: push the first Thursday as late as possible
  1. The third Thursday is latest when the very first Thursday of March is as late as it can be.
  2. If March 1st is a Friday, the first Thursday is the 7th.
  3. Adding two more weeks gives the third Thursday on the 7th + 14 = 21st.
  4. So the latest possible date is 21 March.
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