Jack travels to Peoria every 4th day. Sam is there every 5th day. They meet in a restaurant on May 15th. On what date will they meet next?

Question

Jack travels to Peoria every 4th day. Sam is there every 5th day. They meet in a estaurant on May 15th. If they keep to their schedules, on what date will they meet next?

Answer 1

Hi Jackie--

 

You're looking for the next time that a multiple of 4 (days) will coincide with a multiple of 5 (days).

 

The least common multiple of 4 and 5 is 20 (days), so 20 days after May 15th WOULD be May 35th, IF May had 35 days.

 

But it doesn't. It has 31, which means you need to get 4 more days into June. SOOO...

 

June 4th.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Matt in NY