Real-Life Math -- Solution
Is 75 units of food enough for this 5-day, 4-night climb to the top of Justice? Here's how you figure it out.
First, calculate how many supply units you'll need on the trip up the mountain.
5 people x 3 units required per day per person = 15 units required per day in total
15 x 3 days up the mountain = 45 supply units required in total
Next, calculate how many you'll need going back down.
5 people x 2 supply units per day per person = 10 units required per day in total
10 required units per day in total x 2 days = 20 supply units required in total
Add the 2 figures together to determine the total number of supply units you'll need.
45 supply units (up) + 20 supply units (down) = 65 supply units
Your party will use approximately 65 supply units, which leaves you with 10 units to play with.
You breathe a sigh of relief as the last party member steps from the mountain face to the ground. The trek was a success! The weather held up, everyone was sensible and alert, and there were more than enough supplies to go around.
As you look back at the mountain you just conquered, you smile sheepishly. "I like the variety, the constant decision making, the scheduling flexibility and the job environment," says Alison Andrews, a mountain guide. "You choose to become a guide because you love the mountains and the lifestyle."