Jane 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 72
= 288
Sum of Chinese and Science scores
= 288 - 73 - 56
= 159
To have the smallest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as high as possible.
Science score if the Chinese score is 79
= 159 - 79
= 80
Smallest possible difference
= 80 - 79
= 1
(b)
To have the largest possible difference, the Chinese score must be as low as possible.
Science score if the Chinese score is 70
= 159 - 70
= 89
Smallest possible difference
= 89 - 70
= 19
Answer(s): (a) 1; (b) 19