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Electoral Math |
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Eighth grade mathematics and history teachers have joined forces in the month of October to educate students on electoral politics, current events, algebra, and problem-solving. Beginning in the 2008-09 year, all eighth graders take an algebra course, and part of the curriculum is completing “Problems of the Week.” The following is a sampling of three election-related problems; we hope you enjoy solving them!
Registered voters: Last week the Times Poll surveyed 941 registered voters in Florida, of which 510 were deemed likely to vote; 1,026 registered voters in Ohio, of which 585 were deemed likely to vote; and 927 in Pennsylvania, of which 585 were deemed likely to vote. Which of these three states had the greatest percentage of its surveyed registered voters deemed likely to vote?
Can there be a tie? Of course! There are then procedures in place to break this tie, but the first thing we look at is the number of electoral votes each candidate receives. Take a look at the number of each state’s electoral votes and determine the fewest number of states a candidate could win and still end in a tie with his opponent. (Assume that there are only two candidates and every electoral vote is cast.)
Waiting in line: A few days after attending the Red Sox parade, Boston Becca then had to go get in another type of line... lines at the polls on Election Day. Suppose her voting area had seven voting machines running the entire time,and it was taking each voter an estimated 1 minute 15 seconds to vote. If Boston Becca got at the end of line when the line was exactly half a mile long, and each person in the line was taking up about 1.5 feet of the line, how many hours will she be in line before being able to vote? Express your answer to the nearest whole hour. |
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