High school simple algebra word problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a simple algebra word problem involving the cost-effectiveness of replacing a 100W light bulb with a 20W low-energy bulb. The correct answer to the question of how many hours the low-energy bulb must be used to offset its higher initial cost is 160 hours. Participants initially miscalculated the time required, with some arriving at 200 hours due to incorrect assumptions about the initial cost of the 100W bulb. The key to the correct solution lies in excluding the initial cost of the 100W bulb from the equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic algebraic equations
  • Knowledge of power consumption calculations (watts to kilowatts)
  • Familiarity with cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) calculations
  • Ability to interpret word problems in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review algebraic manipulation techniques for solving equations
  • Study power consumption and energy cost calculations
  • Practice solving word problems involving cost and energy efficiency
  • Explore common traps in algebraic reasoning and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone looking to improve their problem-solving skills in algebra, particularly in real-world applications involving energy costs and efficiency.

randyrandy
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The 100W light bulb (cost 0.60 dollars) is not going to be used anymore and is being replaced with the 20W (cost 3 dollars) low energy light bulb.
If electricity is charged at $0.15 per kWh, for how many hours must the low energy bulb be used in order for the lower cost of running it to exactly compensate for its higher initial cost?

A. 0.25
B 250.00
C 200.00
D 160.00
E 720.00

answer: D 160.00

why?

On first appearance you would think:
0.60 + 0.1 * 0.15 * t = 3.00 + 0.02 * 0.15 * t
t = 200

But that's the wrong answer. That's one of the trap choices.

How do you get to 160?

What am I misunderstanding or missing?
 
Last edited:
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I agree with your solution ... 200 hrs.
 
help please said:
The 100W light bulb (cost 0.60 dollars) is not going to be used anymore and is being replaced with the 20W (cost 3 dollars) low energy light bulb.
If electricity is charged at $0.15 per kWh, for how many hours must the low energy bulb be used in order for the lower cost of running it to exactly compensate for its higher initial cost?

A. 0.25
B 250.00
C 200.00
D 160.00
E 720.00

answer: D 160.00

why?

On first appearance you would think:
0.60 + 0.1 * 0.15 * t = 3.00 + 0.02 * 0.15 * t
t = 200

But that's the wrong answer. That's one of the trap choices.

How do you get to 160?

What am I misunderstanding or missing?
If you already have a 100W light bulb that is not going to be used anymore, then you don't need to spend $0.60 on a new one. So I would leave out the term 0.60 in the equation, which then becomes
0.1 * 0.15 * t = 3.00 + 0.02 * 0.15 * t.

But that leads to the answer t = 250. I don't see any way to get the answer 160 unless there is some further information that has been omitted from the question.
 

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