Ok let's see what are they aking for and what information we already have

First
N= Number of items produced
A= Additional items produced
X= Amount paid per item

We also know that

If N<= 36 then we got NX
&
if N> 36 Then we get NX + AX (3/2)

That 3/2 is simply the 1 1/2 amount per additional item

So we are looking for X and N values right?

Statement 1 says that

The TOTAL amount of LAST week was 480$

Do we really know the values of X, N or A?

Do we know if the items exceded the quantity of 36?

or are they less than 36?

Well we do not know at all

now lets see statement 2

This week Bob produces 2 more items, but this 2 more could be either LESS than 36 or maybe MORE

We Actually don't know X , N or A

So not even combining them helps so that is why is E

I hope it helps

What do you think?

I think C is correct answer. He produced 44 items in the last week and x=$10 .....

Thanks for the explanation Hope700..I hesitated to go with E because I thought its a medium difficult question and going for E would have been a trap..But guess I was wrong..E is indeed right

moneyman wrote:I chose C

Price per item between 1-36 = 2x

Price per item for 37+ =3x

510-480 = $ 30 difference could occur in three different place

A) 1-36 : 4x = 30, Price per item $ 15 and 510/15 = 34 items

C) 36 & 37 2x+3x=30 so $ 12 dollar regular price (1-36) and $ 18 ( 37th)

480/12 = 40 items for $ 12 and 2 more items ---> 42 items

C) Some where after 36

SO : 6x = 30 and Price per item $ 15 and and it follows that price between 1-36 is $ 10

BUT WE HAVE NO INFORMATION TO SAY how we can end with $ 480 ... so E

Very nice question. :!:

Let Items Produced last week l and items produced this week be t
and let cost per item (1-36) be x $.
Then
36x +(l-36)3x/2 = 480
and
36x +(t-36)3x/2 = 510

Since t = l+2

we can solve for x = 10$
Back substitution in 1 gives l = 44.
So i think C is the correct answer.