Math Problem Statement

A law firm is going to designate associates and partners to a big new case. The daily rate charged to the client for each associate is $500 and the daily rate for each partner is $1400. The law firm designated 3 times as many associates as partners to the case and was able to charge the client $5800 per day for these lawyers' services. Determine the number of associates assigned to the case and the number of partners assigned to the case.

Solution

We can set up this problem using a system of equations.

Let:

  • xx be the number of partners assigned to the case.
  • Since there are 3 times as many associates as partners, the number of associates will be 3x3x.

The law firm charges $500 per day for each associate and $1400 per day for each partner. Therefore, the total daily charge to the client is given by:

500(3x)+1400(x)=5800500(3x) + 1400(x) = 5800

Now let's solve this equation:

  1. Distribute the values: 1500x+1400x=58001500x + 1400x = 5800

  2. Combine like terms: 2900x=58002900x = 5800

  3. Solve for xx: x=58002900=2x = \frac{5800}{2900} = 2

So, there are 2 partners. Since the number of associates is 3 times the number of partners, the number of associates is:

3×2=63 \times 2 = 6

Final Answer:

  • Number of associates assigned to the case: 6
  • Number of partners assigned to the case: 2

Would you like further details on how this solution was reached or have any questions?

Here are some related questions for you:

  1. How would the total charge change if the daily rate for associates were $600 instead of $500?
  2. What would happen to the number of partners and associates if the total charge per day was $7000 instead of $5800?
  3. How could we use this same type of system of equations to model a different scenario with multiple types of workers?
  4. What would the solution be if the number of associates was twice the number of partners instead of three times?
  5. How can the firm adjust the rates of the associates or partners to increase the daily charge to the client without changing the number of employees?

Tip: When solving word problems with multiple variables, always clearly define each variable and translate the problem into mathematical expressions or equations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Systems of Linear Equations
Word Problems

Formulas

500(3x) + 1400(x) = 5800

Theorems

Solving systems of linear equations
Distributive property
Combining like terms

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9