Every year, Jada's scout troop makes and sells tie-dyed shirts to raise money for charity. Short-sleeved shirts are easier to make, so they try to sell more short-sleeved shirts than long-sleeved shirts. Last year, her troop sold 20 short-sleeved shirts and 25 long-sleeved shirts. This year, her troop sold 35 short-sleeved shirts and 50 long-sleeved shirts. Which year's sales had a greater ratio of short-sleeved shirts to long-sleeved shirts?

A. Last year's sales had a greater ratio.
B. This year's sales had a greater ratio.
C. Neither. Jada's troop sold the same ratio in both years.

1 answer

To determine which year's sales had a greater ratio of short-sleeved shirts to long-sleeved shirts, we can calculate the ratios for both years.

Last Year:

  • Short-sleeved shirts sold: 20
  • Long-sleeved shirts sold: 25

The ratio of short-sleeved shirts to long-sleeved shirts for last year is:

\[ \text{Ratio}_{\text{last year}} = \frac{\text{Short-sleeved}}{\text{Long-sleeved}} = \frac{20}{25} = \frac{4}{5} = 0.8 \]

This Year:

  • Short-sleeved shirts sold: 35
  • Long-sleeved shirts sold: 50

The ratio of short-sleeved shirts to long-sleeved shirts for this year is:

\[ \text{Ratio}_{\text{this year}} = \frac{\text{Short-sleeved}}{\text{Long-sleeved}} = \frac{35}{50} = \frac{7}{10} = 0.7 \]

Now, we can compare the two ratios:

  • Last Year Ratio: 0.8
  • This Year Ratio: 0.7

Since \(0.8 > 0.7\), we can conclude that:

A. Last year's sales had a greater ratio.