Opal accidentally spilled ink onto her results slip. Her results were as follows:
- What could be the smallest possible difference between her Chinese and Math results?
- What could be the largest possible difference between her Chinese and Math results?
(a)
Total scores
= 4 x 72
= 288
Sum of Chinese and Math scores
= 288 - 77 - 62
= 149
To have the smallest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as high as possible.
Math score if the Chinese score is 69
= 149 - 69
= 80
Smallest possible difference
= 80 - 69
= 11
(b)
To have the largest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as low as possible.
Math score if the Chinese score is 60
= 149 - 60
= 89
Smallest possible difference
= 89 - 60
= 29
Answer(s): (a) 11; (b) 29