A hard question on queues for P4–P5, with a step-by-step solution, diagrams and the answer. Queue questions are already in the Hua Xia Cup's P1 and P2 first rounds, and the P4 papers add square formations.
The question
On the school trip, all 26 pupils in the year queue in single file for the coach.
Counting from the front, Ming is 5th.
May is behind Ming, with 3 pupils between them.
Counting from the back, Fan is 3rd, and she is behind May.
How many pupils are between May and Fan?
Show the hints (3)
💡Hint 1: Turn everyone's place into "counting from the front" so you can compare.
💡Hint 2: How far behind Ming is May? And where is Fan, counted from the front?
💡Hint 3: May is 9th from the front and Fan is 24th. Which places lie between them?
Worked solution
Have a go first, then read the solution step by step.
1.May: Ming is 5th, then 3 pupils, so 5 + 3 + 1 = 9th.
2.Fan: from the front, 26 − 3 + 1 = 24th.
3.Between them: places 10 to 23, 24 − 9 − 1 = 14.
⚠️Common mistake: putting May at 5 + 3 = 8, forgetting the place May herself takes.
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