This can be solved using proportions by asking the question: if 7 tasks (t) can be performed in 5 days, then how many tasks (t) can be performed in 31 days?
7 tasks = t
5 days 31 days
In a proportion, you must match the top and bottom on both sides and then cross multiply and divide.
7 X 31 = 5 X t
217 = 5t
217 ÷ 5 = 5t ÷ 5
43.4 = t
The machines can complete 43.4 tasks in a 31-day period. This is a rounded answer. If the machines are unable to stop in the middle of a task, then they are only able to complete whole number tasks. 43 would be the answer in that case since they cannot complete 0.4 tasks.
