Problem 1 · 2016 Math Kangaroo
Easy
Counting & Probability
careful-countingpath-tracing
How many ropes can you see in this picture?
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Answer: B — 3
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Hint 1 of 2
Pick one loose end and follow the strand all the way to where it stops.
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Hint 2 of 2
Each rope has exactly two ends, so count the ends and pair them up.
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Approach: trace each strand from end to end
- Find a free end of a rope and trace the curve until you reach its other end; that is one rope.
- Cross it off and repeat with an untraced end.
- Following the strands this way separates the tangle into 3 distinct ropes.
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