SOLUTION: A clown weighs 60 lb more than a trapeze artist. The trapeze artist weighs two thirds as much as the clown. How much does each weigh?

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Question 494112: A clown weighs 60 lb more than a trapeze artist. The trapeze artist weighs two thirds as much as the clown. How much does each weigh?
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let a = clown's weight
Let b = t.a.'s weight
given
(1) +a+=+b+%2B60+
(2) +b+=+%282%2F3%29%2Aa+
-------------
(2) +3b+=+2a+
Substitute (1) into (2)
(2) +3b+=+2%2A%28+b+%2B+60+%29+
(2) +3b+=+2b+%2B+120+
(2) +b+=+120+
and
(1) +a+=+b+%2B60+
(1) +a+=+120+%2B+60+
(1) +a+=+180+
The clown weighs 180
The trapeze artist weighs 120
check:
(2) +b+=+%282%2F3%29%2Aa+
(2) +120+=+%282%2F3%29%2A180+
(2) +360+=+360+
OK