Real-Life Math
Receptionists use math differently, depending on the type of industry
they are working in.
"In my position, I prepare balance sheets for
those buying and selling homes. This requires accounting skills and accounting
is math," explains Gloria Savage. She is a real estate office receptionist.
Both of these math exercises can be very complicated and time-consuming.
Sometimes
receptionists are also in charge of selling products and services. They use
simple math to solve problems.
You are a veterinary receptionist. For
every office visit, your clinic charges a fee of $22. Clients pay extra for
X-rays, medication, special foods and injections. These prices are as follows.
There are no taxes.
| Vaccines | $35 |
| Antibiotics | $1.50 per pill |
| Special cat or dog food | $8 per bag |
| X-ray | $25 |
Mr. Sharpe is a very special client. He has a farm and often rescues
cats that are sick and need a home.
Because he is helping animals,
the veterinarian has agreed to give him a discount for the checkups and vaccines
his cats receive yearly. If he brings in more than one cat at once, he is
charged only $15 for the visit and $20 for the injections.
Today, Mr.
Sharpe has arrived at your clinic for his yearly veterinarian appointment.
He has brought all of his animals, 5 cats and 1 dog. After the veterinarian
has seen the animals, Mr. Sharpe is at your desk wondering how much all of
this will cost him.
The veterinarian hands you Mr. Sharpe's files.
Here's what they say:
- 5 cats for visits
- Only 4 cats received vaccines since 1 cat wasn't well -- this sick
cat weighs 10 pounds and needs antibiotics
- 1 dog for a visit, vaccines and an X-ray
In the veterinary manual, it indicates that if the cat weighs between
7 and 20 pounds, he needs half a pill 3 times daily for 30 days.
Mr.
Sharpe only has $310 with him. He wants to know if he can afford a bag of
dog food. Can he?