Mid-West Publishing Company publishes college textbooks. The company operates an 800 telephone number whereby potential adopters can ask questions about forthcoming texts, request examination copies of texts, and place orders. Currently, two extension lines are used, with two representatives handling the telephone inquiries. Calls occurring when both extension lines are being used receive a busy signal; no waiting is allowed. Each rep- resentative can accommodate an average of 12 calls per hour. The arrival rate is 20 calls per hour.
a. How many extension lines should be used if the company wants to handle 90% of the calls immediately?
b. What is the average number of extension lines that will be busy if your recommenda- tion in part (a) is used?
c. What percentage of calls receive a busy signal for the current telephone system with two extension lines?