Math Problem Statement

A teacher wishes to distribute 12 identical pieces of candy among 4 students, based on how many pages of a book they read last month. The table below lists the total number of pages read by each student. Apportion the candy using Adams' Method. If there is no suitable divisor, then enter 'fail' in all four answer blanks without the quotes.

Solution

To solve this problem, we will use Adams' Method of apportionment. Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Calculate the Total Pages

Add the pages read by each student: 380+730+155+255=1520pages380 + 730 + 155 + 255 = 1520 \, \text{pages}

Step 2: Determine Standard Divisor

Divide the total number of pages by the total number of candies: Standard Divisor=152012=126.67\text{Standard Divisor} = \frac{1520}{12} = 126.67

Step 3: Calculate Standard Quotas

Find the standard quota for each student: Quota=Pages ReadStandard Divisor\text{Quota} = \frac{\text{Pages Read}}{\text{Standard Divisor}}

  • Max: 380126.67=3.00\frac{380}{126.67} = 3.00
  • Trymaine: 730126.67=5.76\frac{730}{126.67} = 5.76
  • Pablo: 155126.67=1.22\frac{155}{126.67} = 1.22
  • Bella: 255126.67=2.01\frac{255}{126.67} = 2.01

Step 4: Initial Allocation

Take the ceiling of each quota since Adams' Method adjusts upward:

  • Max: 4
  • Trymaine: 6
  • Pablo: 2
  • Bella: 3

Step 5: Total Allocation

Add these up: 4+6+2+3=154 + 6 + 2 + 3 = 15

We only have 12 candies, so this exceeds the total. Adams' Method is not suitable in this case.

Step 6: Enter the Results

For the question, all blanks should be filled with "fail", and the answer to "Has the Quota Rule been violated?" is No, because no valid allocation could be made.

Let me know if you have questions or need clarification! Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the difference between Adams' Method and Jefferson's Method?
  2. How do you verify if the Quota Rule is violated?
  3. Can Adams' Method ever lead to a fair apportionment if quotas are far apart?
  4. What are the practical applications of apportionment methods in real life?
  5. How would you solve this same problem using the Hamilton Method?

Tip: Always verify the total allocation against the available resources when using any apportionment method.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Apportionment Methods
Adams' Method
Ceiling Function
Quota Rule

Formulas

Standard Divisor = Total Pages ÷ Total Candies
Quota = Pages Read ÷ Standard Divisor

Theorems

Quota Rule

Suitable Grade Level

High School (Grades 9-12)