Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 22
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:Another two-group mixture. With the overall average and one subgroup known, solve for total headcount by equating totals and using the other subgroup’s average.Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Let total workers be n. Then total payroll = 850*n. Also equals 7*1000 + (n - 7)*780. Solve for n.Step-by-Step Solution:
850n = 7000 + 780(n - 7)850n = 7000 + 780n - 5460850n - 780n = 1540 ⇒ 70n = 1540 ⇒ n = 22Verification / Alternative check:Totals: technicians = 7000; others = 15*780 = 11700; grand = 18700; 18700/22 = 850.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:Misplacing parentheses in (n - 7)*780 or equating averages instead of totals.Final Answer:
22
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