If you work 45 hours per week, then your weekly pay p , in dollars, is proportional to your hourly wage $W$ , in dollars per hour. Express this proportionality relationship as a formula.
A) $P \propto W$
B) $P = 45 W$
C) $W = 45 P$
D) None of the above.

Question

If you work 45 hours per week, then your weekly pay p , in dollars, is proportional to your hourly wage $W$ , in dollars per hour. Express this proportionality relationship as a formula. 
A) $P \propto W$
B) $P = 45 W$
C) $W = 45 P$
D) None of the above.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The formula should express that the pay is proportional to the hourly wage, and it should take into account the number of hours worked. The only formula that does so is P = 45W, which means that the pay is equal to the hourly wage multiplied by the number of hours worked per week. The symbol for proportionality ( ) is not appropriate here because it represents a general relationship between two variables, without specifying their exact values or units. Choice A is therefore incorrect. Choice C is also incorrect because it implies that the hourly wage is equal to the pay divided by the number of hours worked, which is the opposite of what the problem stated. Choice D is incorrect because there is a relevant formula among the given choices.

If You Work 45 Hours Per Week, Then Your Weekly WWW

If You Work 45 Hours Per Week, Then Your Weekly $W$