Word Problem

Question

A total of $270 is to be divided among four children. Each will receive an amount that is proportional to his or her age. If the children are 5, 10, 14, and 16 years old, how much money does the youngest child receive?

 

a. $96

b. $6

c. $30

d. $54

Answer 1

So, Mai, there are different ways of looking at this. Proportions are equal ratios.

 

The ages add up to 45. 

 

5/45 = c/270

 

Cross multiplying...

 

45c = 1350

c = 30

 

The youngest will get $30.

 

Another way is to again use the age total of 45...

 

270/45 = 6

 

Each child will get $6 for each year he/she is old, so the youngest will get 5(6) = $30.