Question 1
Editorial self-study SET for 2027; not an official SASMO 2027 examination. Known source years remain in individual attributions. Time: 90 minutes. Platform scoring starts at 0: Q1–15 are worth 2 points each; Q16–25 are worth 4 points each; wrong and blank answers score 0; maximum 70. Official SASMO scoring instead starts at 15, deducts 1 for an incorrect Section A answer and has a maximum of 85. Verified means editorially checked; assumptions, source errors and mathematical uncertainty are disclosed where relevant.
Andy has 3 pieces of paper. He tears each into 5 smaller pieces. He then takes some of the resulting pieces and tears each into 3 smaller pieces, continuing this process. Can he finish with 49 pieces?
Andy has 3 pieces of paper. He tears each into 5 smaller pieces. He then takes some of the resulting pieces and tears each into 3 smaller pieces, continuing this process. Can he finish with 49 pieces?