document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=701091>Question 701091</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Hello - I need assistance.  I have a problem that I can't seem to figure out; please see below,\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "A person has 17,000 invested in stock A and stock B.  Stock A currently sells for $50 a share and stock B sells for $60 a share.  If stock B doubles in value and stock A goes up 50%, his stock will be worth $31,500.  How many shares of each stock does he own?\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Word problems are the worst for me because I am never sure where to start.  Once I have the equation I can solve but getting it is the problem.  If you can help I would greatly appreciate it.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Thanks. </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #432215 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=DrBeeee><B>DrBeeee(684)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-11.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=DrBeeee><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/nopicture.jpg><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=432215\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> ALWAYS define variable(s) to represent each unknown. Then write equations to fit the problem statement. If you have 2 unknowns, as you have, you need two equations.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Let A = the number of shares of stock A<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Let B = the number of shares of stock B<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Now list the knowns<BR>\n" );
document.write( "a) stock A value is $50/share<BR>\n" );
document.write( "b) stock B value is $60/share<BR>\n" );
document.write( "c) current value of holdings is $17,000<BR>\n" );
document.write( "d) some time later stock B doubles to $120/share<BR>\n" );
document.write( "e) for the same time, stock A increses by 50% to $75/share<BR>\n" );
document.write( "f) after that same time the holdings are worth $31,500<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Write the equations for the value of holdings at the current time and for some time later. At the current time his stock is worth<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(1) 50*A + 60*B = 17000<BR>\n" );
document.write( "And some time later his stock is worth<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(2) 75*A + 120*B = 31500<BR>\n" );
document.write( "All you need to do is solve (1) and (2) for A and B. You say you can do that, but here's my solution.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "First multiply (1) by 2 and get<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(3) 100*A + 120*B = 34000<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Now subtract (2) from (3) and get<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(4) 25*A + 0 = 2500 or<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(5) A = 100<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Now put A into (1) and get<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(6) 50*100 + 60*B = 17000 or<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(7) 5000 + 60*B = 17000 or<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(8) B = 200<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Let's check the answer with (2).<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Is (75*100+120*200 = 31500)?<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Is (7500+24000 = 31500)?<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Is (31500 = 31500)? Yes<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Answer: The person owns 100 shares of stock A and 200 shares of stock B. </SPAN>\n" );
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