Disposal of addition polymers

2 marks · Easy

A city sends 400,000 tonnes of plastic to landfill every year. If 85% of this is addition polymer, calculate the mass of addition polymer sent to landfill each year. Give your answer to the nearest tonne.

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340,000 tonnes (±1)

Common mistakes: Not converting percentage to decimal; Calculating 85% of a different total

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Shows multiplication or calculation for 85% of 400,000. (follow-through)

A1 · 1 mark · Gives the correct final answer: 340,000 tonnes.

Worked solution

85% of 400,000 = 0.85 × 400,000 = 340,000 tonnes.