mathmatics1q212

Question

Susan made $176

 for 8

 hours of work.

At the same rate, how many hours would she have to work to make $286

?

Answer 1

The word "rate" implies x/y, where the x and y represent different units. Usually, x = amount and y = time. They could be miles per hour, meters per second, books per shelf, etc. In this problem x = dollars (amount) and y = hours (time).

We are given two different x values ($176 and $286) and two different y values (8 and h). "h" represents the value we are trying to find.

We can solve this problem by setting the two ratios equal to each other and cross multiplying. If they occur at the same rate, then x₁/y₁ = x₂/y₂.

(176 / 8) = (286 / h)

2288 = 176 • h

h = 13

At this rate, Susan would need to work for 13 hours to make $286.