Unitary method application on constant-rate production: A worker makes one toy every 2 hours at a steady, uniform rate. If he continues working at the same speed for a total of 80 hours, how many complete toys will he manufacture in that period?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 40

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem is a classic unitary-method question involving constant-rate production. We are told how long it takes to produce one unit (a toy) and asked to scale that rate to a longer total time, assuming the worker continues at the same steady pace without interruptions or speed changes.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Production time per toy = 2 hours per toy
  • Total available working time = 80 hours
  • Rate is constant; partial toys are not counted because the question asks for complete toys produced.


Concept / Approach:
When the rate is given as time per unit, the number of units completed is total time divided by time per unit. This is the unitary method: first compute how many toys per hour (or invert time-per-toy), then scale to the full duration.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Time per toy = 2 hTotal time available = 80 hNumber of toys = total time / time per toyNumber of toys = 80 / 2 = 40


Verification / Alternative check:
Alternatively, compute the rate as 0.5 toy per hour. Over 80 hours, 0.5 * 80 = 40 toys, confirming the same result.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
54 and 45 imply faster production than stated; 39 implies a slower rate; 42 is another distractor not consistent with 2 hours per toy over 80 hours.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing 2 hours per toy with 2 toys per hour (the latter would give 160 toys, which is wrong). Always take care when inverting units and interpreting “per”.


Final Answer:
40

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