Wendy accidentally spilled ink onto her results slip. Her results were as follows:
- What could be the smallest possible difference between her Chinese and Science results?
- What could be the largest possible difference between her Chinese and Science results?
(a)
Total scores
= 4 x 79
= 316
Sum of Chinese and Science scores
= 316 - 68 - 69
= 179
To have the smallest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as high as possible.
Science score if the Chinese score is 89
= 179 - 89
= 90
Smallest possible difference
= 90 - 89
= 1
(b)
To have the largest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as low as possible.
Science score if the Chinese score is 80
= 179 - 80
= 99
Smallest possible difference
= 99 - 80
= 19
Answer(s): (a) 1; (b) 19