A challenge - A hikers walks from one town to another. On the 1st day he covers one fifth of the total distance. The next day he covers one quarter of what is left. The following day he covers two fifth of the remainder & on the 4th day, half of what is left. He now has 12 miles left. How many miles has he travelled?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Start = 100%
After Day1 = 80% remaining
Day 2 = 60%
Day 3 = 36%
Day 4 = 18%
12 miles remaining = 18%
(12/18)(100) = 66.6 miles
I think that's right, correct me if I'm wrong

dumbcow · Answer

Let total distance be d.
day 1: d/5
day2 : (4d/5)*(1/4) = d/5
day3: (3d/5)*(2/5) = 6d/25
day4: (9d/25)*(1/2) = 9d/50
total = 41d/50
Has 9d/50 left
9d/50 = 12
d = 600/9 = 66.66
41d/50 = 54.66
distance traveled is 54.66 miles

anonymous · Answer

Very close Neophyte, but you're about 11.9 out. it should be 54.7

anonymous · Answer

Oh yeah I have the total distance, I never subtracted the distance remaining (12)
66.66 - 12 = 54.66
Thanks for that

anonymous · Answer

yeah that's right..., nice one