SOLUTION: Alpha and Beta each have a collection of marbles. At first,Beta has 2/5as many marbles as Alpha. But then Alpha losses 44 marbles after which Beta has 5/7as many marbles as Alpha.

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> SOLUTION: Alpha and Beta each have a collection of marbles. At first,Beta has 2/5as many marbles as Alpha. But then Alpha losses 44 marbles after which Beta has 5/7as many marbles as Alpha.       Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 1136843: Alpha and Beta each have a collection of marbles. At first,Beta has 2/5as many marbles as Alpha. But then Alpha losses 44 marbles after which Beta has 5/7as many marbles as Alpha. How many marbles did Alpha have to start with?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
+b+=+%282%2F5%29%2Aa+
+%285%2F7%29%2A%28+a+-+44+%29+=+b+
---------------------------------
+%28+5%2F7%29%2A%28+a+-+44+%29+=+%28+2%2F5+%29%2Aa+
Multiply both sides by +35+
+25%2A%28+a+-+44+%29+=+14a+
+25a+-+1100+=+14a+
+11a+=+1100+
+a+=+100+
Alpha had 100 marbles to start with
and
+b+=+%282%2F5%29%2A100+
+b+=+40+
--------------------------
check:
+%285%2F7%29%2A%28+a+-+44+%29+=+b+
+%28+5%2F7%29%2A56+=+40+
+5%2A56+=+7%2A40+
+280+=+280+
OK