B.C. Numeracy 10: Refill station: estimate demand

Every original question, with optional answers, explanations and official references. Open an answer to study, or take the test above for instant feedback.

1. ORIGINAL SCENARIO — PARK WALK Organizers expect 800 visitors. In a morning survey, 18 of 60 visitors said they would use a refill station. For planning, assume that the same proportion applies to all 800 visitors and that each user takes one 250 mL serving. Each full cooler holds 18 L. The survey is an estimate, not a promise about attendance or demand.

   Using the stated survey assumption, how many of the 800 visitors are expected to use the station?

   1. 240
   2. 182
   3. 300
   4. 480
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   Correct answer: 240

   Apply the sample proportion: 800 × (18 ÷ 60) = 240 expected users. This is an estimate based on the stated assumption.

   Based on: Original fictional scenario shown above; answer derived from its data and reasoning. B.C. official source describes assessment processes, not this item.

   Official reference ↗

2. If the actual use rate is between 20% and 40%, what range of users should organizers consider?

   1. 20–40
   2. 80–160
   3. 160–320
   4. 240–400
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: 160–320

   20% of 800 is 160 and 40% of 800 is 320. The range describes users, not litres; water demand must be calculated separately.

   Based on: Original fictional scenario shown above; answer derived from its data and reasoning. B.C. official source describes assessment processes, not this item.

   Official reference ↗

3. What percentage of surveyed visitors said they would use the refill station?

   1. 18%
   2. 30%
   3. 60%
   4. 42%
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: 30%

   18 ÷ 60 = 0.30, or 30%. The denominator is everyone surveyed, not the 800 expected visitors.

   Based on: Original fictional scenario shown above; answer derived from its data and reasoning. B.C. official source describes assessment processes, not this item.

   Official reference ↗

4. Why might the morning survey give a poor estimate of demand for the whole day?

   1. The sample includes only morning visitors
   2. Percentages cannot be applied to 800 people
   3. One litre contains fewer than 250 mL
   4. Every survey result is exact
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: The sample includes only morning visitors

   Morning visitors may have different needs from afternoon visitors. The arithmetic can be correct while the sample does not represent the whole day.

   Based on: Original fictional scenario shown above; answer derived from its data and reasoning. B.C. official source describes assessment processes, not this item.

   Official reference ↗

5. How much water is needed for one 250 mL serving for each of the estimated users?

   1. 6 L
   2. 200 L
   3. 60 L
   4. 600 L
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: 60 L

   240 × 250 mL = 60,000 mL. Divide by 1,000 mL per litre to obtain 60 L. The calculation allows exactly one serving per user.

   Based on: Original fictional scenario shown above; answer derived from its data and reasoning. B.C. official source describes assessment processes, not this item.

   Official reference ↗

6. What is the minimum number of full 18 L coolers needed for the estimated water demand?

   1. 2
   2. 3
   3. 5
   4. 4
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: 4

   60 ÷ 18 = 3.33… coolers, so round up to 4 whole coolers. Three provide only 54 L; four provide 72 L.

   Based on: Original fictional scenario shown above; answer derived from its data and reasoning. B.C. official source describes assessment processes, not this item.

   Official reference ↗