There Are Three Work Centers (A, B, and
C) Behind

question 72

Essay

There are three work centers (A, B, and
C) behind the financial aid counter at a nearby university. They can each fit into any of three office spaces (1, 2, and 3) off the corridor behind the desk. There is no student contact in these areas, only workers. The distance 1-2 is 20 feet, 2-3 is 30 feet, and 1-3 is 50 feet. The matrix of work (trips per day) at the three centers is in the following table. Remember that each trip must be a round-trip (from 1 to 2 and back, for example).
$$\begin{array} { | c | c | c | c | } \hline & \mathrm { A } & \mathrm { B } & \mathrm { C } \\\hline \mathrm { A } & - - & 20 & 0 \\\hline \mathrm { B } & 45 & - - & 25 \\\hline \mathrm { C } & 60 & 0 & - - \\\hline\end{array}$$
a. How many possible assignments are there? List them.
b. Calculate the total distance traveled in each of these assignments.
c. Which assignment minimizes distance traveled?

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Definitions:

Inca Quipus

A recording system used by the Incas, consisting of various colored threads knotted in different ways to represent numbers and possibly narrative information as well.

Phonetic Emulation

The process of attempting to accurately reproduce or mimic the sounds of one language using the phonetic system of another.

Larynx And Epiglottis

The larynx is an organ involved in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea, while the epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food from entering the airways.

Pharynx

The pharynx is a muscular tube in the upper part of the throat that connects the mouth and nasal passages with the esophagus and larynx, serving as a pathway for air and food.