A science administrator is evaluating three research proposals for funding. The first proposal requires $450,000 over 3 years, the second $720,000 over 4 years, and the third $210,000 over 2 years. If the administrator plans to allocate equal yearly funding across all proposals, what is the maximum annual budget, in dollars, that can be sustainably funded for all three projects combined?

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:08:44 +0000

**A science administrator is evaluating three research proposals for funding. The first proposal requires $450,000 over 3 years, the second $720,000 over 4 years, and the third $210,000 over 2 years. If the administrator plans to allocate equal yearly funding across all proposals, what is the maximum annual budget that can be sustainably funded for all three projects combined?** In an era defined by competitive innovation and strategic investment, science administrators face growing pressure to optimize limited resources while supporting high-impact research. As federal and private funders increasingly prioritize measurable outcomes, transparent decision-making becomes essential. When evaluating multiple research avenues, aligning annual funding ensures stability and fairness—key factors in sustaining robust scientific progress. Understanding how to balance competing demands reveals deeper insights into modern research finance. This proposal requires precise allocation: the administrator must determine a sustainable annual budget that fairly covers all three projects without exceeding available resources. The first proposal spans 3 years, the second 4, and the third only 2—but equal yearly funding demands a uniform commitment across the full duration of each. The core challenge lies in calculating the maximum annual contribution that supports each proposal for their full planning horizon. ---