Real-Life Math -- Solution
You have 60 primary school students and 100 intermediate students.
Primary students get two-thirds as much as intermediate students. Your total
budget is $500,000.
- How much per person will you allot to primary students?
- What is the total allotment to primary students?
- How much will you allot per person to secondary students?
- What is the total allotment to secondary students?
Use an algebraic equation:
Let X = 1 primary student
Let Y =
1 secondary student
Y = (X + 1/3X)
60X + 100Y = $500,000
60X
+ 100 (X + 1/3X) = $500,000
60X + 100 (4/3X) = $500,000
60X
+ 400 / 3 = $500,000
60X + 133.3X = $500,000
193.3X
= $500,000
X = $2,586.6
Therefore, 1 primary
student is allotted $2,586.60 per year.
In total, the primary students
are allotted:
60 x $2,586.60 = $155,196
1
intermediate student is allotted:
$2,586.60 + (1/3 x $2,586.60)
$2,586.60
+ 862.2= $3,448.80
In total, the intermediate students
receive:
100 x $3,448.80 = $344,880
"You
use mathematics continuously," says Bruce Beairsto. He is an associate superintendent.
"Among other things, you always have to calculate budget allocations."