SOLUTION: In an alloy of copper, tin, and lead, 16 lbs. less than 1/2 is copper; 12 lbs. less than 1/3 is tin; 4 lbs. less than 1/4 is lead. Determine weight of total alloy. c = copper

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Question 1171170: In an alloy of copper, tin, and lead, 16 lbs. less than 1/2 is copper; 12 lbs. less than 1/3 is tin; 4 lbs. less than 1/4 is lead. Determine weight of total alloy.
c = copper
t = tin
y = lead

c = 16 - .5
t = 12 - .333
y = 4 - .25
Not sure how to solve.
Answer by ikleyn(52803)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

            Your approach is TOTALLY WRONG.
            See my solution below and  WATCH  attentively  EVERY  MY  STEP. 


Let x be the total weight, in pounds.  THEN


    copper = ;  tin = ;  lead = .


Your equation is the equation for the total


    copper  + tin    + lead = x,   or


      +  +  = x.


To solve it, multiply all the terms by 12. You will get


    6x - 192 + 4x - 144 + 3x - 48 = 12x

    13x = 12x + 192 + 144 + 48

    13x - 12x = 384.

        x     = 384  pounds.


ANSWER.  the total weight of the alloy is 384 pounds.

Solved.


It is really good problem (!)


------------

comment from student : I made an error in posting problem: Should be; 4 lbs. more than 1/4 is lead.
Sorry for error. Would that make a difference in answer?



My responce :               ARE  YOU  SCOFFING  ME   ? ? ?
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