General Mathematics Paper 2, WASSCE (PC 2ND), 2020

Question 2

 

  1. The cost of 3 cutlasses and 2 hoes is GH85.00. If the cost of 2 cutlasses and 3 hoes is GH90.00, calculate the total cost of a cutlass and a hoe.
  2. If the graph of y = k(x + 4)(x - 1) intersects the line x = 0 at y = 24, find the value of k.

 

Observation

 

 

The Chief Examiner reported that majority of candidates performed well in this question.
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In part (a), they used mathematical statement to represent the word problem and solve as shown: Let c = cost of cutlass and h = cost of hoe.
Then first sentence becomes,

3c + 2h = 85 ……………(1)

and the second sentence becomes
2c + 3h = 90…….(2).

Solving equation (1) and (2) simultaneously we have c = 15and h = 20.


Therefore, Total cost of a hoe and a cutlass = GH¢ (15 + 20) = GH¢35.00.

 

In part (b), they were expected to substitute the value for x and y gives 24 = k(0 + 4)(0 – 1). Then simplifying to get 24 = k(4)( –1) gives  – 4k = 24. Therefore, k = – 6.