Real-Life Math -- Solution
Television:
Four of the 12 press releases sent to TV reporters were used for news stories.
4 / 12 x 100 = 33 percent
Radio:
Five of the 12 press releases sent to radio stations were used for news stories.
5 / 12 x 100 = 42 percent
Newspapers:
Nine of the 12 press releases sent to newspapers were used for news stories.
9 / 12 x 100 = 75 percent
Total:
Total stories in all media = 4 + 5 + 9
Total stories in all media = 18
Total press releases sent = 12 x 3
Total press releases sent = 36
Total percentage = 18 stories / 36 press releases x 100
Total percentage = 50 percent
Fifty percent of the press releases you sent to the media were used for news stories.
Jeff Gaulin managed media relations for a government department. He says you do not need to understand trigonometry to be an information officer. "But basic math skills are required," he says.
"You have to be able to understand figures. More senior communication officers deal with budget issues, so obviously you need math skills there."
The ability to interpret data is key, he says. It makes you less dependent on outside experts. And as you move up to senior positions, you will be required to have an excellent grasp of math.