Maximizing hourly income

Question

A sewing machine operator may sew coats or trousers. The trousers require 3 minutes of sewing time, and the operator receives $0.65 each. A coat requires 8 minutes of sewing time, and the operator receives $1.00 each. The operator must sew at least three coats per hour. How many coats and how many trousers should the operator sew each hour to maximize hourly income?

 

Trousers=

Coats=

Hourly Income=

Answer 1

The operator is making more money with the trousers than with the coats.

 

She must sew at least 3 coats.  3x8 = 24 minutes for coats = $3.00

 

She has 36 minutes left to sew trousers.  36/3 = 12 trousers 12 x $0.65 = $7.80.  If she sews more than 3 coats, she will be losing money.

 

3 coats      12 trousers