baller12q wrote:A grocer stacked oranges in a pile. the bottom layer was rectangular with 3 rows of 5 oranges each. In the second layer from the bottom, each orange rested on 4 oranges from the bottom layer and in the third layer each orange rested on 4 oranges from the second layer. Which of the following is the the maximum number of oranges that could have been in the third layer.

a. 5
b. 4
c. 3
d. 2
e. 1

OA C
how do i get the correct anwser

I'm guessing the quickest way is to draw it out. It took me about 20 seconds to draw the diagram and find the correct answer.

A good general rule to follow is that when you've got a word problem that translates into a picture, draw it out. Many test takers find that visual representations make questions much easier to handle.

Stuart could you please post the diagram you used for your solution so some of us can understand the solution

thanks

F = First row oranges
S = Second row oranges
T = third row oranges


F F F F F
S S S S
F F F F F
S S S S
F F F F F

Since the second row is

S S S S
T T T
S S S S

There are maximum of 3 T
Hope this helps

oops that didnt post the way i expected it would

sorry

Could not find any way other than to draw a pic

First layer has 3 rows of 5 oranges each. Draw _ and a space for each orange in row 1.
Each orange in Second layer touches 4 oranges in 1st layer.
so max of 8 oranges. Draw squares connecting 4 _. This becomes ur 2nd row.

For third row, draw another set of squares which connect 4 squares from the 2nd layer. If u want u can choose to draw a rhombus or X to denote the connection.
Count the squares/X in 3d row. It will be 3.

Let me know if u can t picture this.

thanks
-V

Here's my diagram - fear my art skills!