Question

Pam is preparing for a trip to the Philippines. She has set aside money for everything that she needs to have, but there are several other items which, while not strictly necessary, she would like to take with her. The following table shows the money that Pam has already spent or allocated, with prices listed in Philippine pesos (P).

Expense
Cost (P)
Transportation
10,804
Hostel
9,773
Food budget
11,229
Sightseeing budget
24,615

Pam’s total budget is P 77,500.Which of the following additional items can Pam afford?

I. brand-new walking shoes, P 6,865
II. ticket upgrade to first class, P 15,149
III. electronic Tagalog/English dictionary, P 13,255
a.
only I
b.
I or III, but not both
c.
either I and III, or II
d.
any two, but not all three

Answer 1

Total spent = 10,804 + 9,773 + 11,229 + 24,615 = 56,421.
Remaining = 77,500 − 56,421 = P21,079.

Item costs:
- I = 6,865
- II = 15,149
- III = 13,255

Affordability:
- Any single item (I, II, or III) is ≤ 21,079, so each alone is affordable.
- I + III = 6,865 + 13,255 = 20,120 ≤ 21,079 (affordable).
- I + II = 22,014 > 21,079 (not affordable).
- II + III = 28,404 > 21,079 (not affordable).
- All three > 21,079 (not affordable).

Thus the possible purchases are either II alone, or the pair I and III. Answer: c.