1991 AHSME Problems/Problem 15

Problem

A circular table has 60 chairs around it. There are $N$ people seated at this table in such a way that the next person seated must sit next to someone. What is the smallest possible value for $N$?

$\text{(A) } 15\quad \text{(B) } 20\quad \text{(C) } 30\quad \text{(D) } 40\quad \text{(E) } 58$

Solution

$\fbox{B}$ If we fill every third chair with a person, then the condition is satisfied, giving $N=20$. Decreasing $N$ any further means there is at least one gap of $4$, so that the person can sit themselves in the middle (seat $2$ of $4$) and not be next to anyone. Hence the minimum value of $N$ is $20$.

See also

1991 AHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 14
Followed by
Problem 16
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