MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD - PRELIMS

Topic: 10-item Quiz, last 9th of February 2022

Notes:
Golden ratio formula: Quadratic formula:
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏 −𝑏 ± √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
= =𝜑
𝑏 𝑎 𝑥=
Derivatives: 2𝑎
𝑎
1. =𝜑 Fibonacci formula:
𝑏 𝒏 𝒏
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏 𝟏 + √𝟓 𝟏 + √𝟓
2. = ( 𝟐 ) −( 𝟐 )
𝑏 𝑎
𝑎+𝑏 𝑭(𝒏) =
3. =𝜑 √𝟓
𝑎 Where: n ≥ 1
Signs and Symbols and their Translations
❖ R – Real numbers (Q, pi, square root ❖ ∈
of a non-perfect square) ➢ Element of a set
❖ I – Irrational Numbers (√2,√3,√21, π(Pi)) ❖ ⇒
➢ Cannot be expressed as the ratio of ➢ If-then statement
two numbers ❖ ⇔
❖ Q – Rational Numbers (1/2, 1/5, 3/4) ➢ If and only if
➢ Any number in the form of p/q where p ❖ ∀
and q are integers and q is not equal ➢ For any/for all
to 0 is a rational number ❖ ∃
❖ ∉ Z – Fractions (⅓, ⅔, ⅖,…) ➢ There exist/s
❖ Z – Integers ( …,-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3,…) ❖ ∴
❖ W – Whole Numbers ( 0, 1, 2, 3,…) ➢ Conclusion or therefore
❖ N – Natural Numbers (1, 2, 3,…) ❖ ∵
➢ Because
❖ ^ is “and” then v is “or”
❖ ⋂ is “and”
❖ ≈ is “estimate” or “approximate”
➢ Intersection symbol
❖ Ø ❖ U is “or”
➢ Null set ➢ Union

1. Compute
5𝐹22 − 1⁄2 𝐹12
❖ Solution:
1 + √5 1 − √5
( 2 ) 22 − ( 2 ) 22
= 17 711
√5
1 + √5 1 − √5
( ) 12 − ( ) 12
2 2
= 144
√5
1
5(17711) − (144) = 𝟖𝟖 𝟒𝟖𝟑
2
2. Compute
(𝐹13 )2 − 2𝐹18
❖ Solution:
1 + √5 1 − √5
( 2 ) 13 − ( 2 ) 13
= 233
√5
1 + √5 1 − √5
( 2 ) 18 − ( 2 ) 18
= 2 584
√5
(233)2 − 2(2 584) = 𝟒𝟗 𝟏𝟐𝟏

3. Compute for the mean for the first 11 numbers of the Fibonacci series.
❖ Solution:

Note: Mean is the sum of values divided by the number of values. Example, if
you find the mean of 10, 5, 8, 7, the equation will look like this:
10 + 5 + 8 + 7
= 7.5
4

Back to 3. The first 11 Fibonacci numbers are 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, & 89.

So:
1 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 5 + 8 + 13 + 21 + 34 + 55 + 89
= 𝟐𝟏. 𝟎𝟗𝟎𝟗𝟎𝟗𝟎𝟗
11

Then rounding it off to 2 decimal places, the final answer is 𝟐𝟏. 𝟎𝟗.

4. Compute the sum of cubes of the first 5 numbers in the Fibonacci series.
❖ Solution:

The first 5 numbers in the series are 1, 1, 2, 3, and 5.

So:

= 13 + 13 + 23 + 33 + 53
= 1 + 1 + 8 + 27 + 125
= 𝟏𝟔𝟐

The final answer is 162.

5. Compute for the square root of the sum of the 7 odd numbers in the Fibonacci series.
❖ Solution:

Note: Odd numbers are those whose last digits are either 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.

In the first 11 Fibonacci numbers {1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89}, then the first 7
odd numbers are {1, 1, 3, 5, 13, 21, 55}.

So:

= √1 + 1 + 3 + 5 + 13 + 21 + 55
= 9.949874371

Then rounding it off, so the final answer is 𝟗. 𝟗𝟓

6. If the length of a rectangular board is equal to 415 inches, what must the width be for in
order for it to be a golden rectangle?
❖ Formula:
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏
= =𝜑
𝑏 𝑎

Represented by the figure:

❖ Solution:

Note: A rectangle has two sides of unequal length: 1 long side and 1 shorter
side.

So, let’s represent the sides of a rectangle with the length as 𝑎 and the width as
𝑏.
b
a = 415
𝑎
And let’s use the derivative = 𝜑 to solve this, since it is the most direct
𝑏
derivative.

Now, just substitute the values:

𝑎 415
= 𝜑 becomes = 1.618
𝑏 𝑏

Next, multiply 𝑏 to both sides to remove the fraction.

415
(𝑏) = 1.618 (𝑏)
𝑏

Note: If the numerator and denominator are the same, then it is equal to 1, so
you can cancel out both 𝑏 on the left side of the equation.
415
(𝑏) = 1.618𝑏
𝑏
415 = 1.618𝑏
 We want to find 𝑏, so we need to isolate the variable by dividing both sides by
1.618.
415 1.618
= 𝑏
1.618 1.618

Note: Again, if the numerator and denominator are the same, then it is equal
1.618
to 1, so you can cancel out 1.618.
415 1.618
= 𝑏
1.618 1.618
415
= 𝑏
1.618
256.4894932 = 𝑏

Let’s transpose both values to opposite sides, so we see 𝑏 at the left where we
are most used to seeing the unknown variable.
𝑏 = 256.4894932

Then rounding it off to 2 decimal places, the final answer is 𝟐𝟓𝟔. 𝟒𝟗.

7. If the width of a rectangular lot is equal to 20.5 feet, then what must be the length in
order for it to be a golden rectangle?
❖ Formula:
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏
= =𝜑
𝑏 𝑎

Represented by the figure:

❖ Solution:

Note: Use the same techniques as 6. here.

So, let’s represent the sides of a rectangle with the length as 𝑎 and the width as
𝑏.
b = 20.5
a
Substitute the values:
𝑎 𝑎
= 𝜑 becomes = 1.618
𝑏 20.5

Next, isolate 𝑎 by multiplying 20.5 to both sides of the equation.

𝑎
(20.5) = 1.618 (20.5)
20.5
𝑎
(20.5) = 33.169
20.5
𝑎 = 33.169

Then rounding it off to 2 decimal places, the final answer is 𝟑𝟑. 𝟏𝟕.
8. True or False: Ɐ x ∈ Z, x² > 0
❖ Solution:

Ɐ x ∈ Z, x² > 0

For any integer x, its square is greater than 0.

Check: -3, 0, 1, 3
-32 > 0 12 > 0
9 > 0 ✓ 1 > 0
✓
02 > 0 32 > 0
0 > 0  9 > 0 ✓
Since there is an integer that makes the mathematical sentence false, therefore
this is False.

9. True or False: Ǝ x, y ∈ R, (x + y) ³ = x³ + y³
❖ Solution:

Ǝ x, y ∈ R, (x + y) ³ = x³ + y³
There exists real numbers x & y, such that the cube of their sum is equal to the
sum of their cubes.

Check: 0, 1
(0 + 1) 3 = 03 + 13
03 + 3(0)2(1) + 3(0)(1)2 + 13 = 1
1 = 1 ✓
Since there exist numbers that makes the mathematical sentence true,
therefore this is True.

10. True or False: Ɐ x ∈ R, Ǝ y ∈ R, x + y = 2

❖ Solution:

Ɐ x ∈ R, Ǝ y ∈ R, x + y = 2

For any real number x, there exists a real number y, such that x plus y is equal
to 2.

Check: 0.5, 1.5

0.5 + 1.5 = 2
2 = 2 ✓
Since there exist numbers that that makes the mathematical sentence true,
therefore this is True.
 MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD - PRELIMS
Topic: Proving the Golden Ratio

4) 1 + 1 = 𝜑
𝜑
→ We do not want fractions, so
we multiply 𝜑 to both sides of
Prove: 𝜑 = 1.618
the equation
Proof: Remember: Remember:
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏 Distributive property
= =𝜑
𝑏 𝑎 5) 1
Find derivatives: 𝜑 (1 + ) = (𝜑) 𝜑
𝜑
𝑎
4. =𝜑 6) 𝜑 + 1 = 𝜑 2
𝑏
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏 → Seems familiar? 6) is a
5. =
𝑏 𝑎 quadratic equation (QE)
𝑎+𝑏
6. =𝜑 → Transpose 𝜑 + 1
𝑎
→ Pick an equation with the Remember:
Signs change when transposing
variable we are proving (𝜑) so
7) 0 = 𝜑 2 − 𝜑 − 1
we use either derivative 1. or 3.
Remember:
→ Choose the more complex There are 3 methods to factor
equation because: QE:
➢ Complex → simple is easier ❖ Factoring
❖ Quadratic formula (QF)
to simplify than;
❖ Completing the square
➢ Simplified → complicated, (CTS)
which is harder. → Factoring is easiest but not
→ So, we choose 3. possible to use to solve 7)
1) 𝑎 + 𝑏 → CTS cannot be used as well, so
=𝜑
𝑎 we use QF
Remember: Remember:
The principle of fractions of Quadratic formula is:
separating numerators by
−𝑏 ± √𝑏2 − 4𝑎𝑐
having the same denominator 𝑥=
2𝑎
2) 𝑎 𝑏 Remember:
+ =𝜑
𝑎 𝑎 QE is 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
Remember: ➢ 𝑎 and 𝑏 are coefficients
If the numerator and ➢ 𝑐 is a constant
denominator are the same, it is Note:
equivalent to 1
❖ If there is no number in 𝑎
3) 𝑏
and/or 𝑏, then the values
1+
=𝜑
𝑎 are automatically 1
→ Now reciprocate derivative 1. ❖ Note the signs of 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐
𝑏
to get 𝑎 and substitute in 3) because if one sign is
wrong, then the whole
𝑎 𝑏 1
=𝜑→𝑎=𝜑 calculation will be wrong
𝑏
 → So, the values of a, b, and c of 7)
are:
𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = −1, 𝑐 = −1
→ Now we substitute the values
of a, b, and c of 7) in QF
8) −(−1) ± √(−1)2 − 4(1)(−1)
φ=
2(1)
→ Simplify 8)
9) 1 ± √1 + 4
φ=
2
10) 1 ± √5
φ=
2
Remember:
In QE, there are two answers
called roots, so ± means 1
positive root and 1 negative
root
→ Solve 10) for the roots
11) 1 + √5
φ= = 1.618
2
12) 1 − √5
φ= = −0.618
2
→ Because 𝑎 and 𝑏 are lengths,
the final answer must be
positive because there are no
negative measurements
Therefore: 𝜑 = 1.618
 MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD - PRELIMS
Topic: Types of Reasoning

Notes:
Inductive Reasoning:
→ Specific to general
→ AKA the inductive approach or method
→ Investigation before conclusion
→ We predict using specific values such as
➢ 3, 10, 50, 178
→ The conclusion formed by using inductive
reasoning is a conjecture
❖ Conjecture is an inference (assumption)
formed without proof or sufficient
evidence
Deductive Reasoning:
→ General to specific
→ Reaching a conclusion by applying general
assumptions, procedures, or principles
→ We use variables for such as
➢ a, n, x, y
→ When using variables to represent an unknown
value or number, they must be true to all
➢ If looking for 3 consecutive integers, we
cannot use a, b, c, or m, 2m, 3m, because
when we check, they aren’t consecutive

1. Use Inductive Reasoning to predict the next number of the following list:

3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ?

❖ Solution:
3 3
3 6 9 12 15
3 3
We see a common pattern here. Each successive (next) number is 3 larger than
the preceding (previous) number.

Thus, we can predict that the next number in the list is 3 larger than 15, which is
18.

So, the final answer is 18.

Note: The answer is self is the conjecture (18).

2. Use Inductive Reasoning to predict the next number of the following list:

1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ?

❖ Solution:

Note: Find gaps between the numbers and establish a pattern from there. If not,
explore another option if the gaps don’t work.
 3 5
1 3 6 10 15
2 4
The first two numbers differ by 2.
The second and the third number differ by 3.
The gap of 6 and 10 is 4.

It appears that the difference between any two numbers is always 1 more than
the preceding difference.

Since 10 and 15 have a gap of 5, we predict that the next number in the list will
be 6 larger than 15, which is 21.

So, the final answer is 21.

3. Use Inductive Reasoning to predict the next number of the following list:

1, 3, 7, 15, 31, ?

❖ Solution:

Again, we find gaps in the numbers and establish a pattern from there.

4 16 The gap of 1 and 3 is 2.

The gap of 3 and 7 is 4.
1 3 7 15 31 The gap of 7 and 15 is 8.
The gap of 15 and 31 is 16.
2 8
Now, we notice a geometric pattern of multiplying 2 between the gaps.

So, if we multiply 16 by 2, we get 32.

Then, we add 31 and 32, getting 63.

So, the final answer is 63.

4. Use inductive reasoning to make a conjecture out of the following procedure:

a) Pick a number.
b) Multiply the number by 10.
c) Add 8 to the product.
d) Divide the sum by 2.
e) And subtract 4 to the quotient.

❖ Solution:

Repeat the procedure for several different numbers. Make a conjecture

between the relationship of the size of the resulting number and the size of the
original number.

To start, suppose we pick 3 as our original number.

➢ Original number: 3
➢ Multiply by 10: 3 x 10 = 30
➢ Add 8 to the product: 30 + 8 = 38
➢ Divide the sum by 2: 38  2 = 19
➢ Subtract the quotient by 4: 19 - 4 = 15

Now, let’s do the procedure using different numbers.

If the original number is 3, then the procedure produces 15.

If the original number is 5, then the procedure produces 25.
If the original number is 10, then the procedure produces 50.
If the original number is 30, then the procedure produces 150.
If the original number is 50, then the procedure produces 250.

Remember: We need to find the relationship between the original number and
the resulting number.

So, we need to form a general conclusion from the resulting numbers.

From each of the cases, we can conclude that the procedure produces:
A number that is 5 times the original number.
5. Use deductive reasoning to show that the following procedure produces a number that
is four times the original number.

a) Pick a number.
b) Multiply the number by 8.
c) Add 6 to the product.
d) Divide the sum by 2.
e) Subtract 3 from the quotient.

❖ Solution:

Let 𝑛 represent the original number

➢ Multiply the number by 8: 8𝑛

➢ Add 6 to the product: 8𝑛 + 6
➢ Divide the sum by 2: (8𝑛 + 6) ÷ 2 = 4 𝑛 + 3
8𝑛 + 6
= 4𝑛 + 3
2
8𝑛 6
+ = 4𝑛 + 3
2 2
➢ Subtract the quotient by 3: 4𝑛 + 3 – 3 = 4𝑛

We started with n and ended with 4n.

𝑛 → 4𝑛

So, the procedure given produces:

A number that is four times the original number.

Compared to the Inductive Approach:

a) 3
b) 3 X 8 = 24
c) 24 +6 = 30
d) 30 ÷ 2 = 15
e) 15 – 3 = 12

3 → 12

6. Use Deductive Reasoning to get a perfect cube following the mathematical procedure
below:

a) Pick 3 consecutive integers

b) Multiply them
c) Add the middle integer to the product.
❖ Solution 1:

First, use variables to represent the 3 consecutive integers.

Let n be the 1st integer

Let n + 1 be the 2nd integer (middle)
Let n + 2 be the 3rd integer

Now multiply the terms. Start by distributing n to (n + 1).

= n (n + 1) (n + 2)
= (n2 + n) (n + 2)

Now use FOIL method to multiply (n2 + n) and (n + 2).

= (n2 + n) (n+2)

= n³ + 2n² + n² + 2n
= n³ + 3n² + 2n

Add the middle integer then combine like terms.

= (n³ + 3n² + 2n) + (n + 1)

= n³ + 3n² + 3n +1

Recall:
(x + y)³ = x³ + 3x²y + 3xy2 + y³
(x+y)(x+y)(x+y)
So:
(n+1)³ = n³ + 3n² + 3n +1

= n³ + 3n² + 3n +1
= (n+1)3  a perfect cube

So, the final answer is (n+1)3

❖ Solution 2:

Consider this table:

n-1 n n+1
n n+1 n+2
3 4 5
10 11 12

From that, we can conclude that n -1, n, n +1 is the same as n, n + 1, n +2, and
both produce 3 consecutive numbers.

So, we can also use n -1, n, n +1 to solve 6.

Let’s use variables to represent the 3 consecutive integers.

Let n - 1 be the 1st integer

Let n be the 2nd integer (middle)
Let n + 1 be the 3rd integer

Now multiply the terms. Start by distributing n to (n - 1).

= (n – 1)(n)(n+1)
= (n² - n)(n+1)

Now use FOIL method to multiply (n2 – n) and (n + 1).

= (n² – n)(n + 1)

= n3 + n² – n² – n
= n3 – n

Add the middle integer then combine like terms.

= (n3 – n) + n
= n3 – n + n
= n3  a perfect cube

So, the final answer is n3

 MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD - PRELIMS
Topic: Polya’s Four Step Method

Notes:
1. Understand the Problem 2. Devise a Plan
→ Restate the problem in your own words → Make list of information that is needed
→ Determine what is known about the → Make an organized list that shows all the
problem possibilities
→ Determine your goal → Draw a diagram or make a table or a chart
→ Identify the unknown → Depends on the context of the problem
3. Carry Out the Plan 4. Look Back and Check
→ Work carefully → Ensure that the solution is consistent
→ Keep an accurate and neat record of all → Interpret the solution in the context of the
your attempts problem
→ Execute the plan → Review, especially if there’s lots of conditions
Review of Formulas
❖ Area of a square ❖ Perimeter of a triangle
𝐴 = 𝑠2 𝑃 =𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
𝐴 is the area 𝑃 is the perimeter
𝑠 is the sides α is the one side
𝑏 is the base
❖ Perimeter of a square 𝑐 is the other side
𝑃 = 4s
𝑃 is the perimeter ❖ Square of a binomial
𝑠 is the sides (a + 𝑏)2 = 𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2
❖ Cube of a binomial
❖ Area of a rectangle (a + b)3 = a3 + 3a2 b + 3ab2 + b3
𝐴 = 𝑤𝑙 ❖ Difference of 2 squares
𝐴 is the area (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏) = 𝑎2 − 𝑏2
𝑤 is width ❖ Simple interest
𝑙 is length 𝐴 = 𝑃(1 + 𝑟𝑡)
𝐴 is the final amount
❖ Perimeter of a rectangle 𝑃 is the initial principal balance
𝑃 = 2(𝑙 + 𝑤) 𝑟 is the annual interest rate
𝑃 is the perimeter 𝑡 is the time
𝑤 is width
𝑙 is length ❖ Compound interest
𝑟
𝐴 = 𝑃(1 + )𝑛𝑡
❖ Area of a triangle 𝑛
ℎ𝑏 𝑏 𝐴 is the final amount
𝐴= 𝑃 is the initial principal balance
2
𝐴 is the area 𝑟 is the interest rate
𝑏 is base 𝑛 is the number of times interest applied
ℎ𝑏 is height per time period
𝑡 is the number of time period elapsed
1. A baseball team won 2 out of their last 4 games. In how many different orders could
they have 2 wins and 2 losses?

❖ Understand the Problem

The team may have two straight wins and lost the last two. Or maybe they lost
the first two games and won the last two.

❖ Devise a Plan

Make an organized list of all possible orders. An organized list is a list that is
produced using a system that ensures that each of the different orders will be
listed once.

❖ Carry out the Plan

Each entry in our list must contain two W and two L with no duplication.

List: WWLL, WLWL, WLLW, LEWL, LWWL, LWLW, LLWW

❖ Look Back and Check

We have made an organized list with no duplicates and the list considers all
possibilities, so we are confident that there are 6 (six) different orders.

2. A hat and a jacket together cost $100. The jacket cost $90 more than the hat. What is
the cost of the hat and the cost of the jacket?

❖ Understand the Problem

The total cost of the hat and a jacket is $100 with a condition that the jacket
costs $90 more than the hat.

❖ Devise a Plan

Write an equation using x as the cost of the hat and x + 90 for the cost of the
jacket.

x + (x + 90) = 100

❖ Carry out the Plan

Solve the equation above for x. Start by combining like terms.

x + (x + 90) = 100
2x + 90 = 100
 Transpose 90 to the other side to isolate the variable.
2x = 100 – 90
2x = 10

Divide both sides of the equation by 2.

2𝑥 10
=
2 2

x=5

Now calculate the cost of the jacket.

= x + 90
= 5 + 90
= 95

So, the cost of the hat is $5 while the cost of the jacket is $95.

❖ Look Back and Check

x + x + 90 = 100
5 + 5 + 90 = 100
100 = 100

3. An Agency charged P15,000 for a 3-day and 2-night tour in Macau and P20,000 for the
same tour with a side trip to Hongkong. Ten people joined the trip, which enabled them
to collect P170,000. How many tourists made a side trip to Hongkong?

❖ Understand the Problem

We know that there are 10 tourists in total. There are two types of tourists. Some
stayed in Macau while others made a side trip to Hongkong. We need to find
how many were bound for Macau who also made a side trip to Hongkong.

❖ Devise a Plan

Let x be the number of tourists bound for Macau alone and y bound for Macau
but made a side trip to Hongkong.

Hence, we have the following expressions:

P15,000x – amount collected from tourists bound for Macau alone

P20,000y – amount collected for tourists bound for Macau but made a
side trip to Hongkong
❖ Carry out the Plan

Write the mathematical equations that represent the problem.

Equation 1: x + y = 10
Equation 2: 15,000x + 20,000y = 170,000

We can use the different methods of solving linear equations to solve this, but
let’s use the easiest, which is the substitution method.

Start by isolating a variable in the simplest equation, which is Equation 1. We

choose y in this case, so transpose x to the other side of the equation.

x + y = 10
y = 10 – x

Next, substitute y in Equation 2.

15,000x + 20,000(10 – x) = 170,000

Multiply by distributing 20,000 to 10 – x. Don’t forget the signs.

15,000x + 200,000 – 20,000x = 170,000

Now transpose 200,000 to the other side of the equation and combine like
terms.

15,000x + 200,000 – 20,000x = 170,000

15,000x – 20,000x = 170,000 – 200,000
-5,000x = -30,000

Divide both sides of the equation by -5,000 to isolate x.

−5,000𝑥 −30,000
=
−5,000 −5,000
x=6

Now, substitute x = 6 in Equation 1.

x + y = 10
6 + y = 10
y = 10 – 6
y=4

Therefore, four (4) tourists made a side trip to Hongkong.

❖ Look Back and Check

15,000(6) + 20,000(4) = 170,000. This satisfies the condition that the total amount
collected for the whole trip is P170,000.
4. A square garden has a walkway 3 feet wide around its corner edge. If the area of the
entire garden, including the walkways is 18,000 square feet, then what are the dimensions
of the planted area?

❖ Solution:

Let x be side of the planted area.

Let x + 6 be the side of the entire square garden.

 3 ft
x

3 ft  x x  3 ft

x
3 ft


=x+3+3
=x+6

Next, get the formula for the area of a square.

𝐴 = 𝑠2

Now, substitute 18,000 square feet for the 𝐴 and x + 6 for the 𝑠.

18000𝑓𝑡 2 = (𝑥 + 6𝑓𝑡)2

Start simplifying by getting of both sides of the equation.

√18000𝑓𝑡 2 = √(𝑥 + 6𝑓𝑡)2

134.16𝑓𝑡 = (𝑥 + 6𝑓𝑡)

Isolate 𝑥 by transposing 6𝑓𝑡 to the other side.

134.16𝑓𝑡 − 6𝑓𝑡 = 𝑥
128.16𝑓𝑡 = 𝑥

𝑥 = 128.16𝑓𝑡 or 𝑥 ≈ 128𝑓𝑡

So, the dimensions of the planted area is 128𝑓𝑡 by 128𝑓𝑡.

5. Mary inherits $100,000 and invests it to two certificated of deposits. One certificate pays
6% and the other pays 4.5% simple interests annually. If Mary’s total interest is $5025 per
year, how much is invested at each rate?

❖ Solution:

We must find two different amounts of money: the money invested at 6% and
the money invested at 4.5%.

So:
Let x be the amount invested at 6%
Let y be the amount invested at 4.5%

Get the formula for simple interest.

Interest (I) = Principal (P) x Rate (r) x Time (t)(in years)

I = Prt

Then consider this:

0.06
6% x
$100,000
4.5% y
0.04

We can assume the principal ($100,000) is also 6%x + 4.5%y.

Now write the mathematical equations that represent the problem.

Equation 1: x + y = $100,000

Equation 2: [(0.06)x + (0.045)y](1) = $5,025

Simplify Equation 2 first. Turn the decimal points into whole numbers by
multiplying both sides by 1000.

[(0.06)x + (0.045)y](1) = $5,025

1000 [0.06x + 0.045y] = {$5,025] 1000

Equation 2: 60x + 45y = $5,025,000

Now do the substitution method to Equation 1 by transposing x.

x + y = $100,000
y = $100,000 - x

Substitute y = $100,000 - x in Equation 2.

60x + 45($100,000 – x) = $5,025,000

 Simplify.

60x + 45($100,000 – x) = $5,025,000

60x + 4,500,000 – 45x = $5,025,000
60x – 45x = $5,025,000 – 4,500,000
15x = $525,000
15𝑥 $525,000
=
15 15
x = $35,000

To solve for y:

x + y = $100,000
$35,000 + y = $100,000
y = $100,000 - $35,000
y = $65,000

Therefore, the amount invested at 6% is $65,000 and the amount invested at

4.5% is $35,000.

6. How many gallons of 5% acid solution should be mixed with 20 gallons of a 10% acid
solution to obtain an 8% acid solution?

❖ Solution:

Let x be the number of gallons of 5% acid solution.

5% acid + 10% acid = 8% acid

0.05 0.10 0.08

x 20 gal (x + 20) gal

Now write the mathematical equation that represents the problem.

0.05x + 0.10(20 gal) = 0.08 (x + 20) gal

Simplify.

0.05x + 0.10(20 gal) = 0.08 (x + 20) gal

100[0.05x + 0.10 (20 gal)] = [0.08(x + 20) gal] 100
5x + 10 (20 gal) = 8 (x + 20) gal
5x + 200 gal = 8x + 160 gal
 200 gal – 160 gal = 8x – 5x
40 gal = 3x
40 3𝑥
𝑔𝑎𝑙 =
3 3
40
x= 𝑔𝑎𝑙 or 13.3 gal
3

7. If the larger of two consecutive integers is subtracted from twice the smaller integer,
then the result is 21. Find the integers.

❖ Solution:

Let n be the smaller integer

Let n+1 be the larger integer

Now write the mathematical equation that represents the problem.

2n – (n+1) = 21

Simplify.

2n – (n+1) = 21
2n – n – 1 =21
n – 1 = 21
n = 21 + 1

n = 22
n + 1 = 23

Check.

2(22) – 23 = 21
44 – 23 = 21
21 = 21

So, the first integer is 22 and the second integer is 23.