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Word Problem Wednesday: Aprilmae's June Dilemma

Feb 21, 2018

Math Skills And Career Opportunities

By Mathnasium | Updated Feb 22, 2018

Elementary and middle school students can practice their problem solving and math skills in this career opportunities based word problem challenge.

A strong math foundation nurtures problem solving skills that will last a lifetime, skills that not only lead to improved math grades in school today, but which extend all the way to career opportunities in the future! Elementary and middle school students will see how they’ll use math skills to make important decisions as they help Aprilmae figure out which job she should take in this week’s word problem challenge. 

Go ahead and give it a try, Mathletes! Check below for the solution.

Challenge: Aprilmae needs to make enough money for rent by her deadline, June, and she also needs help deciding what kind of job she should take. She’s choosing between jobs as a lab assistant (which will pay her $48.00 for 4 hours of work), a computer programmer (which will pay her $65.00 for 5 hours of work), and a reporter (which will pay her $69.00 for 6 hours of work). Which job should she take if she wants to earn the most money per hour?

Solution: The lab assistant job pays $48.00 ÷ 4 = $12.00 per hour. The computer programmer job pays $65.00 ÷ 5 = $13.00 per hour. The reporter job pays $69.00 ÷ 6 = $11.50 per hour. So, if April wants to earn the most money per hour, she should take the job as a computer programmer.