Final answer:
To find the total number of commuters in the city, set up an equation using the given percentages and the number of commuters who use both subway/bus and taxi/Uber. By solving this equation, we determine that the total number of commuters is 2,982,500.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this problem, we need to set up an equation based on the percentages given and the actual number of commuters who use both subway/bus and taxi/Uber. We are told that 70% of commuters use the subway/bus, 50% use taxis/Uber, and 20% use exclusively their own car. Additionally, 596,500 commuters use both subway/bus and taxi/Uber. We should note that the sum of percentages exceeds 100%, which means there is an overlap where commuters use more than one type of transportation.
Firstly, let's denote the total number of commuters as C. The commuters who use subway/bus can be represented as 0.70C and those who use taxis/Uber as 0.50C. The number of commuters who use both can be left as the given value, 596,500.
We can express the situation with the following equation:
0.70C + 0.50C - Both = C
Where 'Both' equals 596,500. Simplifying the equation gives:
1.20C - 596,500 = C
Which can then be solved for C:
C = 596,500 / 0.20
C = 2,982,500
Therefore, the total number of commuters in the city is 2,982,500.