Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 25 points
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Head starts over a common target convert into scoring rate ratios. From A's advantages over B and C to 250 points, deduce B's advantage over C for the same target.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Compute B/C = (B/A)/(C/A) = (4/5)/(18/25) = 10/9. If B scores 250, C scores 250*(9/10) = 225, so B can give C a 25-point start to 250.
Step-by-Step Solution:
B/A = 4/5; C/A = 18/25
B/C = (4/5) / (18/25) = 10/9
C's score when B reaches 250 = 250*(9/10) = 225
Start B gives C to 250 = 250 − 225 = 25 points
Verification / Alternative check:
Scaling down to 100 points would yield 10 points; scaling to 250 multiplies by 2.5, giving 25, consistent with proportional rates.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
18, 20, 22 do not correspond to the 10:9 ratio at a 250-point target.
Common Pitfalls:
Adding/subtracting the given head starts directly; not converting starts to rate ratios first.
Final Answer:
25 points
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