Question

Difficulty: HardDirect Proportions

Determine the correct numerical value to complete the statement below based on the provided rates.

Answer:An airborne logistics division drops 3.53.5 tons of humanitarian rations every 1212 minutes. Operating at this constant rate, the division will drop 【52500】 pounds of rations in 1.51.5 hours.

*(Note: 1 ton=2,000 pounds1 \text{ ton} = 2,000 \text{ pounds})*

Answer

52,500
The scenario requires calculating a proportional amount while successfully navigating two unit conversions. First, harmonize the time units by converting 1.51.5 hours to 9090 minutes. Next, convert the initial weight of 3.53.5 tons into 7,0007,000 pounds. Using these standardized units, set up the proportion: 7,000 lbs/12 min=x lbs/90 min7,000 \text{ lbs} / 12 \text{ min} = x \text{ lbs} / 90 \text{ min}. Cross-multiplying gives 12x=630,00012x = 630,000, and dividing by 1212 results in exactly 52,50052,500 pounds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Convert the target time frame from hours to minutes so it matches the time unit in the given rate.
1.5 hours×60 minutes/hour=90 minutes1.5 \text{ hours} \times 60 \text{ minutes/hour} = 90 \text{ minutes}
Direct proportions require time units to be identical across both ratios.
2
Convert the initial weight from tons to pounds to match the requested unit for the final answer.
3.5 tons×2,000 pounds/ton=7,000 pounds3.5 \text{ tons} \times 2,000 \text{ pounds/ton} = 7,000 \text{ pounds}
Harmonizing the weight units prevents conversion errors at the end of the calculation.
3
Set up a direct proportion equation comparing weight to time.
7,000 pounds12 minutes=x pounds90 minutes\frac{7,000 \text{ pounds}}{12 \text{ minutes}} = \frac{x \text{ pounds}}{90 \text{ minutes}}
Because the drop rate is constant, the ratio of weight to time remains equal.
4
Solve for the unknown weight (x).
x=7,000×9012=630,00012=52,500 poundsx = \frac{7,000 \times 90}{12} = \frac{630,000}{12} = 52,500 \text{ pounds}
Cross-multiplying and dividing isolates the variable, yielding the total pounds dropped over the full time period.

Key Concept

Setting up and solving a direct proportion after performing multiple unit conversions.
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