Example 2

Three numbers are in the ratio of 2:4:7. What is the largest of these numbers if their average is 52?

Solution:

From the problem, we can see that the sum of the three scores is 52 x 3 = 156

Using ratio algebra

Let x be the multiple: 2x, 4x, and 7x.

So, 2x + 4x + 7x = 156

13x = 156

156
x=
13
x = 12

So, the largest of the three numbers is 7 x 12 = 84

∴ Check : substitute the value of x into the two numbers

2 x 12 = 24 and 4 x 12 = 48

The average of the three numbers is

∑ of scores
number of scores
(24 +48+ 84)
=
3
156
= 3
= 52

Example 5

To get from class to outside the main entrance of the school, you can use any of three stairways to the
first floor, either of two corridors to the main lobby, and either of two doors. How many different paths
can you choose from?

Solution:

This situation can be visualized by a tree diagram

Stairway 1 Stairway 2 Stairway 3

C1 C2 C1 C2 C1 C2
D1 D2 D1 D2 D1 D2 D1 D2 D1 D2 D1 D2

(Where C1, C2 and D1, D2 represent corridors 1 and 2 and doors 1 and 2, respectively).

The number of tree branches is based on the product 3 x 2 x 2 = 12

So, many different paths to choose from are 12 possible ways.