Question 144004


Let T=the total number of passengers on the flights


Now we know that 72% plus 23% or 95% of the passengers were asked and either accepted or rejected the peanuts, leaving 5% of the passengers (or 36) who were not asked. The total number of passengers minus the passengers who were asked equals the passengers who were not asked. Or the passengers who were asked plus the passengers who were not asked = the Total number of passengers

So or equation to solve is:

T-0.95T=36 (or 0.95T+36=T)
0.05T=36
T=720

  
Another way to look at the problem is as follows:
36 is 5% of what number?

0.05T=36  divide each side by 0.05
T=720----------------------------------total passengers on board

Notice that the 72%/23% could as well be 90%/5% or 60%/35% or 50%/45% etc.  It's the sum that's important

Hope this helps---ptaylor