Distributing 3600 Shirts Among High School Grads: A Ratios Problem

During a public high school's family day event, 3600 shirts need to be distributed among four year levels in a specific ratio. Understanding how to distribute these shirts using ratios can help in ensuring a fair and organized event. This article breaks down the process, explaining how to find the distribution and determine the minimum number of shirts any one level receives.

Understanding the Problem Constraints

The problem at hand is one of distribution in proportion, often referred to as a ratios problem. The key fact to remember is the ratio in which the shirts are to be distributed. In this case, the shirts are to be distributed in the ratio of 4:3:2:1 among the seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, respectively.

Calculating the Total Blocks

Given the total number of shirts (n) is 3600, and the ratio is 4:3:2:1, the first step is to divide the total number of shirts by the sum of the ratio's parts. This gives the number of shirts per block, which can be calculated as follows:

b n / (4 3 2 1) 3600 / 10 360 shirts per block.

Distributing the Shirts Using the Ratio

Now that the size of a block has been determined, we can use the ratio to distribute the shirts to each year level.

Identifying the Minimum Number of Shirts

From the above calculations, it is clear that the minimum number of shirts that any one grade receives is 360 shirts, which is the number allocated to the freshmen.

This method ensures an efficient and fair distribution of the 3600 shirts during the family day event. It also demonstrates the application of ratios in practical problem-solving scenarios. By following these steps, high school administrators can manage resources effectively and ensure all students receive their share of the distributed items.