Real-Life Math
In this career, math is most often used in calculating airfares and taxes.
"Although much is automated, you still need to perform manual functions, especially when the computer is malfunctioning," says Laura Nadin-Young. She is a reservation and customer service trainer for an airline.
Airline ticket agents often assist passengers in determining the best fare available.
You work for Holiday Air, a regional airline offering low airfare deals to popular vacation sites. Your airline advertises a one-way flight for $109 a person.
The fine print on this deal, however, states the passenger must leave on a weekend, when flights fill up very quickly, and stay at least one night before booking a return flight. This really means a round-trip ticket costs $218.
A family of 4 would like to travel to Orlando, Florida. That's one of the cities offering this great deal. Unfortunately, they need to check into their hotel Thursday before 7 p.m. Also, they are returning on Friday the following week.
Your airline also has rates of $200 round trip for children under 12 years of age. For adults flying on weekdays, the round trip rate is $400. One-way rates for children are $160, while one-way rates for adults are $275.
What is the cheapest way for your family to fly, considering they cannot take advantage of the $218 round-trip special rate?