Shares

Sharing can be so difficult, especially when it isn't 50:50. Does this question look familiar?


Chris and Pat paint a house. Chris works for 5 hours and Pat works for 3. They are paid $240.00. How much should each get paid?

Of course Pat would say $120.00 but that is not the answer. 

The key to solving is looking at the 2 numbers that AREN'T the total - in this case the 5 and 3. These are the "shares", and they add up to 8. 

If you divide the $240.00 by 8, you will get $30.00. Each share is worth $30.00. Chris worked 5 shares, so will be paid 
$30.00 x 5 - $150.00. 

Pat worked 3 shares, so will be paid $30.00 x 3 - $90.00. 

If you add $150.00 and $90.00, you will get $240.00

Note! Be careful with these types of questions on multiple choice tests. The question might ask, "How much more does Chris earn than Pat?" or something similar.