Question

The ratio of the profit, cost of materials and labour in the production of an article is 5:7:13 respectively. If the cost of materials is Le 840 more than that of labour, find the total cost of producing the article

Answer 1

Total cost is 2,800

Explanation:

The given ratio 5:7:13 represents profit to cost of materials to labour.

However it is stated that cost of materials is Le 840 more than that of labour

Cost of material - 840 = labour

Cost of material = labour - 840

Let

Cost of material be x, and labour be y

x ÷ y = 7 ÷ 13 (equation 1)

x = y - 840 (equation 2)

Substitute x from equation 1 in equation 2

(y - 840) ÷ y = 7 ÷ 13

13 (y -840) = 7y

y = 1,820

Substitute value of y in equation 2

x = 1820 - 840

x = 980

So total cost is cost of material plus cost of labour = 980 + 1820 = 2,800

This will satisfy the ratio of 5:7:13 representing profit to cost of materials to labour