Question

Four stacks containing equal number of chips are to be made from 11 orange, 9 white, 13 black and 7 yellow chips. If all of these chips are used and each stack contains at least one chip of each colour, what is the maximum number of white chips in any one stack?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 6

Hint:

Since every stack needs at least one white chip, the other three stacks together must hold at least 3 white chips, capping the maximum for one stack.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Pool logic. 3 other stacks each need >=1 white chip, so at least 3 are locked away. Max = 9-3=6.

Step 2: Verify feasibility. Give target stack 6 white + 2 orange + 1 black + 1 yellow = 10. Remaining: 3 white, 9 orange, 12 black, 6 yellow = 30, split evenly as 1 white + 3 orange + 4 black + 2 yellow per remaining stack = 10 each.

Final Answer: Maximum number of white chips in any one stack is 6.