2021 JMPSC Sprint Problems/Problem 9
Problem
A machine cuts a piece of metal at a constant rate. After leaving the machine alone for twenty minutes, the metal has been split into six pieces. How many more minutes will it take until there are twenty pieces?
Solution
If the machine splits the metal into pieces, then it made
cuts. Therefore, it makes
cut every
minutes. To split the metal into
pieces, the machine has to make
more cuts. This will take
minutes.