SOLUTION: Dexter has 36 pets He has 3 times as many fish as mice and half as many cats as mice How many of each pet does he have?

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: Dexter has 36 pets He has 3 times as many fish as mice and half as many cats as mice How many of each pet does he have?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


    

Question 245602: Dexter has 36 pets He has 3 times as many fish as mice and half as many cats as mice How many of each pet does he have?
Answer by College Student(505) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let mice = x
Let cats = x/2
Let fish = 3x
From the problem we know there are 36 pets, so our equation becomes:
x%2B%28x%2F2%29%2B3x=36
.
Now solve for "x" to determine the number of mice. Then you'll be able to determine the number of cats and fish. Remember to check your answers, they must add up to 36.
.
x%2B%28x%2F2%29%2B3x=36
4x%2B%28x%2F2%29=36
x%2F2=36-4x
Multiply by 2 on both sides to get rid of the fraction:
x=2%2836-4x%29
x=72-8x
x%2B8x=72
9x=72
x=72%2F9
I'll let you take it from here. :)