Question

Universal Products has 78 employees. If twice as many women work for Universal as men, how many women work for Universal? A. 52 B. 42 C. 26 D. 16

Short answer

A. 52

Step-by-step solution

Write the equation for the total number of employees

The total number of employees is 78, which is the sum of women and men. We can represent this as an equation: \[M + W = 78\]

Write the equation for the ratio of women to men

According to the problem, there are twice as many women as men. We can represent this as an equation: \[W = 2M\]

Substitute the equation from step 2 into the main equation

Now, substitute the equation from step 2 into the main equation from step 1 to eliminate one variable: \[M + (2M) = 78\]

Solve for M

Combine the M terms: \[3M = 78\] Now, divide both sides of the equation by 3 to solve for M: \[M = \frac{78}{3}\] \[M = 26\]

Solve for W

Now, use the value of M to find the value of W by substituting M into the equation from step 2: \[W = 2(26)\] \[W = 52\] So, there are 52 women working for Universal Products. Therefore, the correct answer is: A. 52