Problem of the Week 916

Tread Wear

Suppose you know that tires on the rear of your car will wear out after 21000 miles, while tires on the front of your car last for 29000 miles. Suppose you have a new car and five identical new tires (four installed and one spare.) What is the maximum distance you can drive, assuming you can easily change the tires any time you want?

Source: Quantum: Sept/Oct 2000
© Copyright 2000 Stan Wagon. Reproduced with permission.


19 September 2000