Vanessa accidentally spilled ink onto her results slip. Her results were as follows:
- What could be the smallest possible difference between her Chinese and English results?
- What could be the largest possible difference between her Chinese and English results?
(a)
Total scores
= 4 x 68
= 272
Sum of Chinese and English scores
= 272 - 56 - 77
= 139
To have the smallest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as high as possible.
English score if the Chinese score is 69
= 139 - 69
= 70
Smallest possible difference
= 70 - 69
= 1
(b)
To have the largest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as low as possible.
English score if the Chinese score is 60
= 139 - 60
= 79
Smallest possible difference
= 79 - 60
= 19
Answer(s): (a) 1; (b) 19
