SOLUTION: In a recent year, Americans spent a total of $35 billion to remodel bathrooms and kitchens. Twice as much was spent on kitchens as bathrooms. How much was spent on each? I sta

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: In a recent year, Americans spent a total of $35 billion to remodel bathrooms and kitchens. Twice as much was spent on kitchens as bathrooms. How much was spent on each? I sta      Log On


   

Question 216714: In a recent year, Americans spent a total of $35 billion to remodel bathrooms and kitchens. Twice as much was spent on kitchens as bathrooms. How much was spent on each?

I started setting up the problem like this:
x+2x=35 bill.
3x=35 bill.
Then divided both sides by 3. But the answer just doesn't look right.
Found 2 solutions by rfer, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by rfer(16322) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3x=35 bill
x=11.67 bill
2x=23.33 bill
do your proof
23.33+11.67=$35 bill

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have the right steps and you're on the right track to the get the answer. The solution for 'x' should be x=35%2F3=11.667 (which is approximate). Since x=11.667, this means 2x=2%2A11.667=23.333



So rounded to the nearest penny, the amount spent (in billions of dollars) to remodel bathrooms and kitchens was $11.67 billion and $23.33 billion.


Note: the values 11.67 and 23.33 add to 35 (11.67+23.33=35) and 23.33 is double that of 11.67. This verifies our answer.