1997 MMO Grade 8 #2
Source:
October 3, 2016
Grade 81997
Problem Statement
To get to the Stromboli Volcano from the observatory, one has to take a road and a passway, each taking hours. There are two craters on the top. The first crater erupts for hour, stays silent for hours, then repeats the cycle. The second crater erupts for hour, stays silent for hours, erupts for hour, stays silent for hours, and then repeats the cycle. During the eruption of the first crater, it is dangerous to take both the passway and the road, but the second crater is smaller, so it is still safe to take the road. At noon, scout Vanya saw both craters erupting simultaneously. Will it ever be possible for him to mount the top of the volcano without risking his life?