Solve the following word problems: a) What is the difference between nine thousand and the sum of 5470 and 1388? b) i) How much money have they collected so far if 23 members contributed R 2656.00 eac

$$\text{Difference} = 9000 - 6858 = 2142$$

The difference is $\boxed{\text{2142}}$.

$$\text{Collected money} = 23 \times R 2656.00 = R 61088.00$$

They have collected $\boxed{\text{R 61 088.00}}$ so far.

$$\text{Money still needed} = R 80000 - R 61088.00 = R 18912.00$$

They still need to have $\boxed{\text{R 18 912.00}}$.

Geometric pattern definition:
A geometric pattern is a pattern containing objects, shapes, pictures, or elements that repeat themselves.