Math Problem Statement

A business employs a total of 77 people. The ratio of females to males is 9:2. How many females are employed? How many males are employed?

Solution

To solve this, we need to use the ratio of females to males, which is given as 9:2.

Let the number of females be 9x9x and the number of males be 2x2x, where xx is the common multiplier.

The total number of employees is 77, so we can write the equation:

9x+2x=779x + 2x = 77

Simplifying this:

11x=7711x = 77

Solving for xx:

x=7711=7x = \frac{77}{11} = 7

Now, we can calculate the number of females and males:

  • Number of females = 9x=9×7=639x = 9 \times 7 = 63
  • Number of males = 2x=2×7=142x = 2 \times 7 = 14

Thus, there are 63 females and 14 males employed.

Would you like further details on how to approach ratios, or do you have any questions? Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How would you calculate the total number of employees if the ratio was different, like 5:3?
  2. What is the general formula for solving ratio problems involving multiple categories?
  3. If the total number of employees increased to 100, how would the number of females and males change?
  4. How would you solve for the unknown if the ratio was reversed, such as males to females being 2:9?
  5. Can you explain how this approach applies to other real-life ratio problems, like ingredient mixes in recipes?

Tip: When dealing with ratios, always express each part of the ratio in terms of a common variable (like xx) to simplify calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ratios
Algebra
Linear Equations

Formulas

Total number of employees = 9x + 2x

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8