Question 933270: Write an algebraic equation for this problem: (The answer is 24 days)
One bag of cat food feeds 3 cats for 40 days. Two more cats show up making 5 cats. How long will this one bag last? I need this in algebraic notation. Thanks
John M
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Focus on THE ALLOTMENT of catfood, 1 bag.
1 bag, 3 cats, 40 days.
This means 1 bag, 1 cat, 3*40=120 days.
The consumption rate for 1 cat is  .
Doing or trying to do that part is uncomfortable if strictly through algebra.
How many days will the 1 bag last, if FIVE cats?
RT=Q, uniform rates equation for rate, time, quantity of bags.
We already know that Q=1; and we have  unknown number of days, and our consumption rate is known, (found) as  . BUT that is for 1 cat. We now have FIVE cats.
 .
If this makes sense, then you understand what you need. Solve for t.
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