Problem of the Week

A new problem every Monday that challenges participants of all ages to think creatively and apply their math skills. Perfect for a weekly mental challenge.

The Tunnel

Posted: June 2, 2025

59 % of users got this correct

An architect designs a tunnel to go through a mountain. The cross section of the tunnel is uniform and the ceiling is described by the equation x² - 30x + 9y + 81 = 0 while the floor is described by the equation y = 0. If a truck which is 13 feet tall and 10 feet wide drives down the middle of the tunnel what is the least amount of vertical clearance between the top of the truck and the tunnel ceiling (in feet)?

Problem submitted by Mike Schieffer, Austin, TX

View Past Problems