Question

Students are collecting canned goods for a local food pantry. Last year 12 students were able to distribute 1000 flyers in nine hours. This year there are 15 students handing out the same number of flyers. How long should it take them?

Answer 1

7.2 h

Explanation:

The time required is inversely proportional to the number of students.

t = k/n or

tn = k

Let t1 and n1 represent last year

and t2 and n2 represent this year. Then

t1n1 = t2n2

Data:

t1 = 9 h; n1 = 12 students

t2 = ?; n2 = 15 students

Calculation:

9 × 12 = t2 × 15

108 = 15t2

t2 = 108/15 = 7.2 h

It will take the students 7.2 h to distribute the flyers.