Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ

Problem tackling

Joe was in his school’s rugby team. While practising tackling, Joe remembers standing on the goal line 25 feet from his friend Ken, who was by the corner flag. When the master blew his whistle, Ken ran along the touchline and Joe had to try to tackle him. Ken runs at half a mile an hour faster than Joe, who could only manage 12 miles an hour. So Joe never caught up with Ken.

What was the nearest Joe came to Ken?

WIN £15 will be awarded to the sender of the first correct answer opened on Wednesday 16 January. The Editor’s decision is final. Please send entries to Enigma 1728, New Å®ÉúСÊÓƵ, Lacon House, 84 Theobald’s Road, London WC1X 8NS, or to enigma@newscientist.com (please include your postal address).

Answer to 1722 Double Latin: LATIN is 45123

The winner Ian McLaren of London, UK