AQA D1 2009 January — Question 7

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleD1 (Decision Mathematics 1)
Year2009
SessionJanuary
TopicTravelling Salesman

7 Liam is taking part in a treasure hunt. There are five clues to be solved and they are at the points \(A , B , C , D\) and \(E\). The table shows the distances between pairs of points. All of the distances are functions of \(x\), where \(\boldsymbol { x }\) is an integer. Liam must travel to all five points, starting and finishing at \(A\).
\(\boldsymbol { A }\)\(\boldsymbol { B }\)\(\boldsymbol { C }\)\(\boldsymbol { D }\)\(\boldsymbol { E }\)
A-\(x + 6\)\(2 x - 4\)\(3 x - 7\)\(4 x - 14\)
\(\boldsymbol { B }\)\(x + 6\)-\(3 x - 7\)\(3 x - 9\)\(x + 9\)
\(\boldsymbol { C }\)\(2 x - 4\)\(3 x - 7\)-\(2 x - 1\)\(x + 8\)
\(\boldsymbol { D }\)\(3 x - 7\)\(3 x - 9\)\(2 x - 1\)-\(2 x - 2\)
E\(4 x - 14\)\(x + 9\)\(x + 8\)\(2 x - 2\)-
  1. The nearest point to \(A\) is \(C\).
    1. By considering \(A C\) and \(A B\), show that \(x < 10\).
    2. Find two other inequalities in \(x\).
  2. The nearest neighbour algorithm, starting from \(A\), gives a unique minimum tour \(A C D E B A\).
    1. By considering the fact that Liam's tour visits \(D\) immediately after \(C\), find two further inequalities in \(x\).
    2. Find the value of the integer \(x\).
    3. Hence find the total distance travelled by Liam if he uses this tour.