Lecture Notes (Worksheet #1)

The types of numbers

Main types
Natural numbers
These are referred to as the counting numbers {1, 2, 3, 4,5........}When we begin to count
it is only natural that we start at 1

Whole numbers
They are the natural numbers including zero {0,1, 2, 3, 4,5........}. Not all whole numbers
are natural numbers, but all natural numbers are whole numbers.
Integers
Positive and negative counting numbers, as well as zero.
Rational numbers
The set of numbers that can be written as fractions. It is the set of positive and negative
fractions.Numbers that can be expressed as a fraction of an integer and a non-zero
integer.

Decimal Places
If asked to write a number to 1 decimal place then this number should be written with one
number after the decimal point and if asked to write an answer to three decimal places you
should only have 3 numbers appearing after the decimal point. We will now use a few examples
to explain the method fully.
Example
Write each of the following to the required number of decimal places

(a) 233.267 to 1 dp
(b) 567.1149 to 2 dp

(c) 110 to 3 dp

(d) $59.996 to 2 dp

SOLUTION

(a) Since we have been asked to write 233.267 to 1 decimal place we must first go to the first
number after the decimal point.

Here we notice that this number is 2. We try to

determine whether the answer should be 233.2 or whether we should increase the 2 by
one so that the answer becomes 233.3. To make this determination we must check the
number immediately to the right of 2. If this number has a value of 5 or more then
increase the number 2 by 1. If the number is less than 5, then 2 remains. Therefore the
answer to 1 decimal place is 233.3 since the number which appeared to the right of 2 was
6.
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(b) Since we are asked to write this number to 2 decimal places then the answer should be
given with only 2 numbers appearing after the decimal point. Here the answer is either
567.11 or 567.12. First locate the 2nd number after the decimal point. This number is 1.
Since the number immediately to the right of this number is less than 5, then the digit 1
remains and hence the answer will be 567.11

(c) Though no decimal point is shown, for any given whole number the decimal point
appears immediately to the right of that number. A whole number can be written by
placing a point to the right of the number and putting as many zeros as you want. The
value will be same. The number 70 for instance can be written as 70.0, 70.00, 70.000 etc.
However, in this problem we were asked to write the answer to 3 decimal places. The
answer to 3 decimal point is hence 110.000

(d) Remember that your answer should only have 2 numbers after the decimal point since
you have been asked to write it to 2 decimal places. The question is, should we write
$60.00 or should we write $59.99. Following the rules the 6 causes the second 9 to
increase by 1, hence the answer will be $60.00

Ratios
A ratio is a relation that is used to compare two or more similar quantities. It is one quantity
divided by another of the same kind and it is usually represented as a fraction a/b or a:b. Suppose
that you are told that there are 28 students in a class but 12 are boys while 15 are girls then the
ratio of boys to girls will be 12:15 whereas the ratio of girls to boys will be written as 15:12.
Ratios are normally simplified so that 12:15 becomes 4:5 (by division by 3) while 15:12 is
simplified to 5:4. We shall now examine some problems on ratios to make the concept of ratio
much clearer.

Example 1
If $90 is to be divided between 2 brothers in the ratio 4:5 determine how much money each
brother is to receive?

SOLUTION
We should try to equate the amount given with the correct number of parts. Since $90 refers to
the total number of parts, this means that the $90 can be split-up into 9 equal parts whereby one
brother gets 4 equal parts and the other gets 5 equal parts. The diagram below shows how the
money is shared between the brothers.

First brother

Second brother

Since 9 parts represents $90

1 part or each part in the
box is

= $10

Since the value of each part in the box is $10

The first brother gets 4 x $10 = $40
The second brother gets 5 x $50 = $50

First brother

$10

$10

$1O

Second brother

$1O

$10

$10

$10

$10

$10

It is important that we equate the money to the correct number of parts and then find out the
value of each part in the box.

Another approach to doing the problem will be to recognise that of the 9 parts the first brother

gets 4 parts or

of the money while and the second brother who gets 5 part really receives

of the money. Hence, the first brother gets

x $90 = $40 while the second brother gets

x $90 = $50

Example 2
A sum of money is to be divided in the ratio 2:3:5. If the largest amount is $60, calculate

(i) The smallest amount

(ii) The total sum

SOLUTION
A ratio of 2:3:5 says that the total sum of money can be split-up into 10 equal parts. It is to be
noted here that the $60 does not refer to 10 parts. The $60 only refers to the 5 equal parts. The
diagram below shows:
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smallest

medium

share

$60 largest share

share

Equating the $60 to the 5 parts we get

5 parts represent $60

1 part represents $60 = $12

5

That is each part in the box is worth $12

(i) The smallest share is therefore
2 x $12 = 24

(ii) Since there are 10 parts in the box, then the total sum is
10 x $12 = 120

smallest

medium

share

$12

$60 largest share

share

$12

$12

$12

$12

$12

$12

$12

$12

$12

Example 3

Cement, sand and gravel are mixed in the ratio 1:2:3 respectively to form concrete appropriate
for a driveway.
i)

How much cement should be included in a mixture with 3 cubic metres of sand to
form this grade of concrete?

ii)

What would be the volume (cubic metres) of concrete prepared?

SOLUTION

A ratio of 1:2:3 tells us that there are 6 equal parts. Check the box below

Based on the information given cement (C) was allotted 1 part, sand (S), 2 parts and gravel (G) 3
parts.

(i)

The 3 cubic metres of sand is represented by 2 parts in the box. We use this
information to find out what each part in the box is worth.

2 parts represent 3 cubic metres

1 part represents

or 1.5 cubic metres

Since each part in the box in the box is worth 1.5 cubic metres and cement is allotted
1 part then we need 1.5 cubic metres of cement

(ii)

The volume of concrete is the total volume when we add the sand, the gravel and the
cement.
Hence, volume = 1.5 cubic metres of cement + 3 cubic metres of sand + 4.5 cubic
metres of gravel = 9 cubic metres

Percent/ Percentage
A number can be called a percent when it is divided by 100. For instance,

can be called 12

percent. If we want to convert a fraction to a percentage we simply multiply it by 100%. The

number

as a percent is

x 100% which is 30%. Lets examine a few problems on

percentages at this point.

Basic Application of percentages
Example 1
What is 20% of $60
Solution:

x $60 = $12

Example 2

If

of a class is white, express this as a percentage

Solution:

x 100 % = 73.3 %

Example 3
If the profit made by a company increased from $4,000 to $6,500, what was the percentage
increase in profit.
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Solution: We first find the increase.

Increase= $6,500 $4,000 = $2,500

x 100

Percent increase =

x 100 = 62.5%

Example 4
Mark played two matches. In the first match he scored 60 points and in the second, 40. Calculate
the percentage decrease in the points received.

Solution: We first find the decrease.

Decrease = 60 40 = 20
Percent decrease =

x 100 = 33.3%

Further Application of percentages:(restricted to finding original cost and future cost)

Example 1
A pair of shoes which normally sells for $90 is to be sold at 10% discount, calculate the new
selling price

SOLUTION

Since an individual gets 10% off the selling price or 10% discount on the selling price, the
discount =

x $90 = $9

With a discount of $9, the new selling price = $90 - $9 = $81

OR
Alternatively, we may say that a 10% discount means that an individual does not pay the full
price. With 10 % off the full price ( or the 100% price) the individual now pays 90% of the
selling price.
Hence, the new selling price =

x $90 = $81

Example 2

A shirt now costs $110 after a 10% discount, calculate the price before the discount.
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SOLUTION

An important distinction to be made between examples 1 and 2 is that in example 1 we are given
the original or (the start out price) whereas, in example 2 we are not given the original. The
10% discount is therefore not on the $110. The discount given is on the original price which we
dont know as yet. Therefore, it would be wrong to find 10% of $110 .

An approach which a student may take in solving such problem would be to ask the following
questions and try to answer them correctly. We will only need to answer question 2 if the price
given IS NOT THE ORIGINAL
Question 1: Is the given price the original price? That is, Is it the start out price or is it the price
that comes about after something occurs? If the answer is yes, then this price can be equated to
100%. The original price is always 100 %. In this scenario $110 IS NOT the ORIGINAL price
since it comes about after a discount. We therefore will need to answer question 2.

Question 2: Having established that the $110 IS NOT the ORIGINAL we next ask the question
How does this price compare to the original? That is, Is the given price more than the
original or is it less than the original? If it is more than the original then the price is to be
equated to a percentage greater than 100% since the original is always 100%. If the present price
is less than the original, then it is to be equated to a percentage less than 100%. The price of
$110 is the discounted price which happens to fall 10% below the original price (or the 100%
price). Hence, the $110 only represents 90% of the price. Hence, we start the solution as
follows:

90% represent $110

1% represent
Since we want to find the price before the discount, we need to find 100%
Hence, 100% represent

x $100 = $122.22 = original price

Example 3
A box of Kentucky costs $14.97 (17.5 % VAT inclusive). Determine the price before VAT was
added.
Note that the $14.97 is not the start-out or the original price. It is the price which comes after
VAT was applied.
Since the price is not the original, we must ask ourselves how it compares with the original. That
is, is it higher or is it lower? Since it is the price which comes about after VAT, it would be
certainly higher than the original. Remember that the original is always 100%. A 17.5% VAT
puts the price at 17.5% more than the original price. The box of Kentucky was sold at 100% of
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the original price + 17.5% of the original price. Hence, the 14.97 represents 117.5% of the
original price.

The problem starts as 117.5% represent $14.97

1% represents
Since we want the price before VAT, then we want the original or 100% price.
Hence, 100% represent

x 100 = $12.74 = original price

Example 4
The Ministry of Education would like to see a 15% increase in students attending Breton College
by next year, bringing the enrollment to 4025. The colleges administration, however, insists that
the facilities can barely accommodate a 10% increase.

i)

Calculate the present college enrollment.

If the college administration can hold the increase to 10%, what would be the enrolment next
year?

SOLUTION
(i)

Ask yourself this question. Is the 4025 the start-out or original enrollment? No it is not.
It is what the enrollment becomes after a 15% increase. A 15% increase puts us at 15%
of the original figure plus the original enrollment which would be 100%.

Hence, the problem starts as

115% represent 4025
1% represents

The present college enrollment or the start-out enrollment calls for us to find the 100%

Hence, 100% represent

(ii)

x 100 = 3500

Here we want to know what the enrollment would be if we increased from the original by
10%
Increase =

x 3500 = 350

Enrollment for next year = 3500 + 350 = 3850

OR
Alternatively, new enrollment =

x 3500 = 3850

Before we complete this section, let us use this method to do example 1.

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Method
Ask yourself this question. Is this price the original price? Certainly, it is. This is the
price given before the discount has taken place. Hence, recognising that it is the original
or 100% price we equate the $90 to the 100%
Therefore, 100% represent $90
1% represents
This time, since we want the price when 10% discount is given, we are therefore working
towards the 90% price
Hence, 90% represent

x $90 = $81

NUTRITION PROBLEMS
There are many times we look at a food label and see a set of figures which we dont often
understand. Maybe if you are a diabetic or you are on some diet you will pay special attention to
the sugar content but there is much more we need to pay attention to especially if you are the
more health conscious type. But what do these figures mean and exactly what relation to they
bear with the 2000 calories diet. Hopefully you the reader will have a greater appreciation for the
information given on food labels after these examples have been explained.

Example 1
The table below shows nutrition information given on the label of a high protein bar.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving size: 270 ml
Number of servings: 1
Calories per serving: 200
% DV
Total fat

4g

Sat. fat

2g

10

Protein

30g

60

Sodium

210mg

Potassium

130mg

Total carbs.

30g

10

Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2000 calorie diet. The individuals daily values may
be higher or lower depending on his/her calorie needs.

(i)

Calculate in milligrams, the daily requirements of potassium for someone who is on

the 2000 calorie diet.

(ii)

If someone on the 2000 calories diet consumes two servings of this product, how
many more grams of carbohydrate should that person consume during the same day?

(iii)

What fraction of fat is saturated fat in this product?

(iv)

If a person on the 2000 calories diet consumes 135ml of this product how many more
grams of protein is that person allowed to consume for the remainder of that day?

SOLUTION
Note firstly that the information given in the table is based on a 2000 calories diet. Secondly
what this food label is telling you is that if you are on a 2000 calories diet, then one serving of
this product only gives you 200 calories. Therefore you need to use 10 servings of this product.
But note that you may end up receiving much more protein than what is required daily for
someone on the 2000 calories diet. In relation to protein the food label tells you that if you
consume one serving of this product you get 30 g of protein which is not enough since you are
only getting 60% of your daily requirement. Therefore if you are only interested in getting 10
servings of this product simply because you want to get 2000 calories then will end up using too
much protein. 10 servings of this product will give you 300g ( 10 x 30g) of protein which
corresponds to 600 % ( 10 x 60%) of your required daily intake which is based on a 2000
calories diet. Part (i) of the question causes to focus on potassium. One serving of this product
gives us 130mg of potassium but this is too little for someone on the 2000 calories diet since the
130mg only represents 4% of the daily requirement. Acknowledging this we start the solution as
follows:
(i)

4% represent 130mg
1% represents
100% represent

mg
x 100 = 3250mg

100 % is found as it gives you the full amount of potassium for a day provided that
the individual is on a 2000 calories diet.

(ii)

Now one serving of this product gives up 30g of carbs which tells us that we are only
getting 10% of the daily requirement. Therefore, with 2 servings of the product we
now get 60g which reflects that we will now be receiving 20% of our daily
requirement of carbs.
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20% represent 60g

1% represents

Now since the individual would have consumed 20% of his daily requirement this
tells us that he would need a further 80% to complete his daily requirement of carbs.
Hence, we need to find the amount of carbs which would correspond to this 80%
Since 1% represent
Then 80% represent

x 80 = 240

the individual should only use an additional 240g to complete his daily
requirements.

(iii)

Now there are 4 grams of total fat of which 2 grams are saturated. Therefore, fraction

is

Total Fat
S

S- Saturated

(iv)

NS

NS

NS- Non-Saturated

Notice from the table that a full serving size is 270ml. Therefore, if a person
consumes 135ml this tells us that the person is only receiving half of the serving.
Hence, rather than getting the 30 grams of protein which he would have received in a
full serving, he now gets 15 grams which tells us that he only now gets 30% of the
amount of protein which he is required to use.
Therefore, 30 % represent 15g
1% represents

He is now allowed an additional 70% to complete his daily requirement of carbs.

Hence, since 1% represents
Then 70% represents

x 70 = 35 grams

The individual is only allowed 35 grams to complete his daily requirements.

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Example 2
OLIM Energy Drink
Nutrition Facts
These facts are based on a 2000 calorie diet
Serving size 3 Tbsp (23g)
Servings per container about 17
Amount per serving
Calories = 90
% Daily value
Total fat 2.5g

4%

Saturated fat 1.5g

8%
OLIME

Trans fat 0g
Cholesterol
10mg

2%

Sodium 95mg

4%

Total Carb 16g

5%

Fibre 1g

3%

Energy Drink

Sugars 10g
Protein 2g
(i)

What is the total weight of the food product in the container?

(ii)

If a person is on a 2000 calories diet how much more Cholesterol is needed to satisfy the
daily value if 2 servings are consumed?

(iii)

What is the daily requirement of total carbs for a person who is on a 2000 calorie diet?

(iv)

What is the daily requirement of total carbs for a person who is on a 3000 calorie diet?

SOLUTION
(i) Total weight = 23g x 17 = 391g

(ii) 2 servings of the product tells us that the person now gets 20mg which corresponds to 4%
Therefore 4% represent 20mg
1% represents

mg

Hence 96% represent

x 96 = 480mg

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(iii)

5% represent 16g
1% represents
Now since the question is asking for the daily requirement, we must find 100%
Since 1% represents
100% represent

(iv)

x 100 = 320g

We will use the answer for part (iii) to calculate the daily requirements of
Carbohydrates for someone on the 3000 calories diet
Since a 2000 calories diet requires 320g of carbs
Then a 1 calorie diet requires
Hence a 3000 calories diet requires

An important distinction must be made as it relates to how we solve problems which ask us to
calculate the DAILY REQUIREMENT and those problems which ask us to calculate HOW
MUCH MORE IS ALLOWED. When a question asks us to calculate the daily requirement we
need to find the 100%. However, if the question calls for us to calculate HOW MUCH MORE IS
ALLOWED, we will need to examine what % the person now consumers and what % is needed
to bring him/her to the 100%. Therefore, if by consuming 2 servings an individual now gets
30% of his daily requirement of carbs then having first found 1% we will end the solution by
finding 70%

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