ECZ 2017 · O-Level Paper 2 · Question 11 — Linear Programming

Himakwebo orders maize and groundnuts for sale. The order price of a bag of maize is K75.00 and that of a bag of groundnuts is K150.00. He is prepared to spend up to K7 500.00 altogether. He intends to order at least 5 bags of maize and at least 10 bags of groundnuts. He does not want to order more than 70 bags altogether.

(a) If x and y are the number of bags of maize and groundnuts respectively, write four inequalities which represent these conditions.[4]

Verified working — step 1

Let x = bags of maize and y = bags of groundnuts.

(b) Using a scale of 2 cm to represent 10 bags on each axis, draw the x and y axes for 0 ≤ x ≤ 70 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 70 respectively and shade the unwanted region to show clearly the region where the solution of the inequalities lie.[4]

Verified working — step 1

Scale 2 cm to 10 bags on each axis, 0 to 70 both ways.

(c) Given that the profit on a bag of maize is K25.00 and on a bag of groundnuts is K50.00, how many bags of each type should he order to have maximum profit?[2]

Verified working — step 1

Profit P = 25x + 50y, tested at each vertex.

(d) What is this estimate of the maximum profit?[2]

Verified working — step 1

Use the optimal point (40, 30) in P = 25x + 50y.

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Original examination question © Examinations Council of Zambia. Worked solution and commentary © G12 Titan — not to be reproduced without permission.

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