Question: In preparation for the upcoming Olympics, Rita's swimming coach requires her to swim a total of 1,500 hours. Rita has already completed 50 hours of backstroke, 9 hours of breaststroke, and 121 hours of butterfly, but she is unhappy with her inconsistency. She has therefore decided to dedicate 220 hours every month practicing freestyle and sidestroke. How many months does Rita have to fulfill her coach’s requirements? Think carefully first, then make a decision:
So far, time spent practicing backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly is 50 + 9 + 121 = 180 hours. Since Rita’s must swim 1500 hours, the freestyle and sidestroke practice sessions will take 1500 - 180 = 1320 hours. Rita will practice for 220 hours / month, meaning she will meet her coach’s target in 1320 / 220 = 6 months. So the answer is 6.