Question

Michael is paid $9 per hour to work at the movie theater and $7 per hour when he helps his aunt at her bakery. Michael cannot work more than 32 hours in a week, but he wishes to earn at least $251 each week. Which weekly work schedule is within Michael’s constraints?
8 hours at the movie theater and 25 hours at the bakery
15 hours at the movie theater and 20 hours at the bakery
19 hours at the movie theater and 12 hours at the bakery
21 hours at the movie theater and 8 hours at the bakery

Answer 1

Check each schedule for total hours (≤32) and earnings (≥$251):

- 8 + 25 = 33 hours (too many) and earnings = 9·8 + 7·25 = 72 + 175 = 247 (<251) — no.
- 15 + 20 = 35 hours (too many) — no.
- 19 + 12 = 31 hours (OK) and earnings = 9·19 + 7·12 = 171 + 84 = 255 (≥251) — OK.
- 21 + 8 = 29 hours (OK) but earnings = 189 + 56 = 245 (<251) — no.

So the valid schedule is 19 hours at the movie theater and 12 hours at the bakery.