Lifeguards are required to ensure the safety of swimmers at the beach.
Let `x` be the number of junior lifeguards required.
Let `y` be the number of senior lifeguards required.
The inequality below represents the constraint on the relationship between the number of senior lifeguards required and the number of junior lifeguards required.
Constraint 1 `y >= x/4`
- If eight junior lifeguards are required, what is the minimum number of senior lifeguards required? (1 mark)
There are three other constraints.
Constraint 2 `x ≥ 6`
Constraint 3 `y ≥ 4`
Constraint 4 `x + y ≥ 12`
- Interpret Constraint 4 in terms of the number of junior lifeguards and senior lifeguards required. (1 mark)
The shaded region of the graph below contains the points that satisfy Constraints 1 to 4.
All lifeguards receive a meal allowance per day.
Junior lifeguards receive $15 per day and senior lifeguards receive $25 per day.
The total meal allowance cost per day, `$C`, for the lifeguards is given by
`C = 15x + 25y`
- Determine the minimum total meal allowance cost per day for the lifeguards. (2 marks)
- On rainy days there will be no set minimum number of junior lifeguards or senior lifeguards required, therefore:
• Constraint 2 `(x ≥ 6)` and Constraint 3 `(y ≥ 4)` are removed
• Constraint 1 and Constraint 4 are to remain.
Constraint 1 `y >= x/4`
Constraint 4 `x + y >= 12`
The total meal allowance cost per day, `$C`, for the lifeguards remains as
`C = 15x + 25y`
How many junior lifeguards and senior lifeguards work on a rainy day if the total meal allowance cost is to be a minimum?
Write your answers in the boxes provided below. (1 mark)