An anthropologist finds that in a certain society, 60% of households use firewood, 30% use solar, and 10% use both. What percentage of households use only one type of energy source? - Treasure Valley Movers

An anthropologist finds that in a certain society, 60% of households use firewood, 30% use solar, and 10% rely on both. What percentage of households use only one type of energy source?

In a world increasingly shaped by energy transitions, a recent study highlights a compelling energy landscape: 60% of households depend on firewood, 30% rely on solar power, and 10% use both. This data reveals a blend of tradition and innovation in daily life. As living standards evolve and clean energy access expands, curiosity grows about how these options coexist—and which ones serve individual homes exclusively. Decoding household energy habits offers insight into cultural shifts, affordability, and sustainability—key themes shaping American discussions on climate and community well-being.

Understanding this energy mix isn’t just statistical—it’s a window into lifestyle choices across diverse populations. For many rural or budget-conscious households, firewood remains a reliable, cost-effective staple. Meanwhile, solar offers a growing solution for energy independence and lower utility bills. Yet, overlapping use is common, reflecting geography, income levels, and infrastructure access. This complexity sparks broader questions about the future of affordable, clean energy adoption in the U.S. and beyond.

How an anthropologist finds that in a certain society, 60% use firewood, 30% use solar, and 10% use both, what percentage use only one type of energy source?

To calculate the percentage of households using only one energy source, we start by clarifying overlapping usage. Of the 60% using firewood, 10% also use solar—meaning 50% depend solely on firewood. Similarly, 30% use solar, 10% of whom also use firewood, so 20% rely exclusively on solar. Adding these distinct groups gives 50% (firewood only) plus 20% (solar only), totaling 70%. Only the household segments using one energy exclusively count here—those in both are excluded.

This breakdown confirms that 70% of households rely on a single energy type, whether firewood, solar, or both—but only the pairwise non-overlapping portions count. The 10% using both are subtracted, leaving 60% − 10% = 50% on firewood alone, plus 30% − 10% = 20% on solar alone, summing to 70%. Thus, 70%