MATHEMATICAL LITERACY INVESTIGATION
GRADE 12
TERM 1

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

1. This investigation consists of THREE questions. Answer ALL the questions.
2. Number the questions correctly according to the numbering system used in this question paper.
3. An approved calculator (non-programmable and non-graphical) may be used unless stated otherwise.
4. Show ALL calculations clearly.
5. Round off ALL final answers appropriately according to the given context, unless stated otherwise.
6. Start EACH question on a NEW page.
7. Write neatly and legibly.
8. VAT to be used as 15% in all calculations.

QUESTION 1
Miss Matsheka is a businesswoman who sells clothing items. She stays in Virginia in the Free State. Her supplier is based in Bloemfontein. Miss Matsheka used to fetch her clothing items herself in Bloemfontein. She realised that it cost her more money when she fetches the clothes herself as compared to using a courier company. Miss Matsheka decides to rather courier two parcels of clothing items. Each parcel has a mass of 8,5 kg.

In this investigation you will be helping Miss Matsheka to choose the most cost-effective courier company to deliver her clothing items.

TABLE 1: COURIER COST FOR COMPANY A

NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE VAT EXCLUSIVE
Use the information above to answer the following questions:
1.1 Explain the term cost as used in the context of the question. (2)
1.2 Calculate the difference between the masses in kg for each of the categories in TABLE 1. (3)
1.3 Identify the category that Miss Matsheka will use to calculate her courier cost. (2)
1.4 Miss Matsheka says that she will pay R187,00, VAT inclusive for courier cost if she makes use of Company A. Is Miss Matsheka correct? Do calculation to verify your answer. (6)
(13)

QUESTION 2
Company B is also a courier company that charges for its services as follows:
Service fee of R15,00 and R10,00 per kg.
TABLE 2: COURIER COST FOR COMPANY B

NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE VAT INCLUSIVE
Use TABLE 2 above to answer the following questions:
2.1 What does the acronym VAT stand for? (2)
2.2 Identify the dependent and independent variables in TABLE 2. (4)
2.3 Write down the formula that can be used to calculate total cost for company B to courier a parcel and use the formula to calculate the total cost to courier Miss Matsheka’s two parcels.You may start the formula as follows:
Cost = ……. (5)
2.4 Use the formula to calculate the following values in the TABLE 2:

1. A (2)
2. B (3)

2.5 Draw a graph of cost (in R) to courier parcels versus mass (in kg) of the parcels on the ANSWERSHEET provided. (4)
2.6 Describe the relationship between the cost charged by courier company B and the mass of parcel. (2)
2.7 Calculate the courier cost WITHOUT VAT to courier an item with a mass of 20 kg with courier company B. (3)
(25)

QUESTION 3
3.1 Write down the ratio of total cost for Company A to Company B to courier both of Miss Matsheka’s parcels in the form 1:… (round off to two decimal places). (3)
3.2 (2)

1. Give one advantage of using a courier company to transport goods.
2. Give one disadvantage of using a courier company to transport goods. (2)

3.3 Taking into consideration all that you have done in this investigation, which company would you advise Miss Matsheka to use to courier her parcels? Give a reason for your answer. (3)
3.4 Name one possible factor that can influence Miss Matsheka’s decision to choose a courier company besides the one mentioned in 3.3. (2)
(12)
TOTAL [50]

ANSWERSHEET 1
QUESTION 2.5
NAME AND SURANAME: _____________________________________