SOLUTION: Tom and David have 480 marbles between them. Tom arranges them in columns with 6 in each column, and David arranges them with 9 in each column. The total number of columns is 72. E

Question 147568: Tom and David have 480 marbles between them. Tom arranges them in columns with 6 in each column, and David arranges them with 9 in each column. The total number of columns is 72. Express the above information in the form of an algebraic equation.

I cannot figure how to express the information in the form of an equation. From the directions, it seems that all the information should be included in one equation, but I am at a loss. I did come up with the info below, but I am unsure if this is what is being asked. Any help would be appreciated.
t + d = 72 columns
6t + 9d = 480 marbles

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Tom and David have 480 marbles between them. Tom arranges them in columns with 6 in each column, and David arranges them with 9 in each column. The total number of columns is 72. Express the above information in the form of an algebraic equation.
---------------------
Let David have "x" marbles:
Number of columns he has is x/6
------------------------
Let Tom have "y" marbles:
Number of columns he has is y/9
-------------------------
EQUATIONS:
x + y = 480
x/6 + y/9 = 72
------------------
Rearrange:
3x + 2y = 18*72
3x + 3y = 3*480
--------------
y = 144 (# of marbles Tom has)
x + 144 = 480
x = 336 (# of marbles David has)
===============================
Cheers,
Stan H.
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