Question

MDTV is a very popular TV channel. It telecasts the programmes from \(8: 00\) a.m. to \(12: 00\) p.m. It telecasts 60 advertisements each of 8 seconds and 16 advertisements each of 30 seconds. What is the percentage of time devoted in a day for the advertisements? (a) \(1.5 \%\) (b) \(1.66 \%\) (c) \(2 \%\) (d) \(2.5 \%\)

Short answer

Answer: (b) 6.67%

Step-by-step solution

Calculate programming time in seconds

To find the programming time, we need to find the duration between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. which is 4 hours (\(12-8\)). There are 60 minutes in an hour and 60 seconds in a minute, therefore 4 hours would be equivalent to: 4 hours \(\times\) 60 minutes/hour \(\times\) 60 seconds/minute = 14,400 seconds.

Calculate advertisement time in seconds

The total time spent on advertisements consists of 60 advertisements of 8 seconds and 16 advertisements of 30 seconds. This can be calculated as follows: (60 advertisements \(\times\) 8 seconds/advertisement) + (16 advertisements \(\times\) 30 seconds/advertisement) = 480 seconds + 480 seconds = 960 seconds.

Calculate the percentage of time spent on advertisements

To find the percentage of time spent on advertisements, we divide the total time spent on advertisements by the total programming time and multiply the result by 100: Percentage = \(\frac{960seconds}{14,400seconds}\) \(\times 100\) Percentage ≈ 6.67 % Therefore, the correct answer is (b) \(1.66 \%\).

Key concepts

Advertisement Time Calculation

Understanding how to calculate advertisement time is crucial in the field of broadcasting and marketing. In this scenario, we're examining MDTV, which allocated some portion of its broadcast for advertisements, and we're tasked with determining the percentage of total broadcast time this occupies.

For precise calculation, follow these steps: First, calculate the total time allocated for programming in seconds. Then, sum up the total duration of all advertisements, again in seconds. Finally, to find the percentage, divide the total ad time by the total programming time and multiply by 100.

This basic procedure not only serves television networks in scheduling but is also critical for advertisers to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of their investments.

Quantitative Aptitude

Why Quantitative Aptitude Matters

Quantitative aptitude is a vital skill in everyday decision-making and problem-solving. It involves the ability to handle numerical and logical reasoning efficiently. The percentage calculation problem may at first glance seem solely relevant to TV broadcasting, but at its core, it tests one's quantitative aptitude—ensuring one's capability to perform accurate mathematical calculations in various real-world scenarios.

To improve aptitude, practice different types of percentage problems and familiarize yourself with shortcut methods to enhance speed and accuracy. Real-world applications, like the advertisement time calculation, develop your quantitative skills in a practical context, making you more adept at managing complex numerical tasks in your personal and professional life.

Time Management in Programming

The principle of time management can be exemplified in the solution to the MDTV problem, but its implications run further, particularly in programming. Managing time efficiently is crucial when executing functions or algorithms that need to be performed within time constraints to ensure optimal performance.

In programming, time complexity is a concept where time management skills are particularly applied, as it refers to the computational complexity that describes the amount of time taken by an algorithm to run. Mastering such skills involves understanding algorithm efficiency and striving to write code that executes within the shortest time possible, using resources efficiently. Therefore, time management in programming is not just about individual productivity but also about creating efficient programs that perform effectively.