Math Test

Writing dense, hard to parse prose is a fine art. The city council of a neighboring town are masters of that art. A few months ago the local newspaper published the announcement of an upcoming local election. It reads more like a test question for Math 101:

 “Each of seven applicants will seek one of four spots on the Arts Commission, … With the Housing and Human Services Committee increasing its membership to nine members, six candidates are expected to fill six eligible spots.  Each of four applicants will seek one of two spots on the Planning Commission. … Eight applicants will vie for one of five spots on the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee. … Three candidates will vie for three spots on the Personnel Board.”

If each winner gets 8 oz of champagne, how many bottles of bubbly must the commissioner order?  You have five minutes to answer. Talk about pressure during examinations.

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