SOLUTION: I am on vacation and doing independent study and this problem is giving me a headache. Could you please help? Four time the sum of the distance from Apia to Austin, Texas and t

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Question 105844: I am on vacation and doing independent study and this problem is giving me a headache. Could you please help?
Four time the sum of the distance from Apia to Austin, Texas and the distance from Apia and Noumea is about 47,000 kilometers. How far is Austin?
The distance from Apia and Noumea is 2,480 kilometers
Here is what I have tried --
x= Austin
4x + 2480 = 47,000
4x = 47,000 - 2480
4x = 44520
x = 11130
I know the answer is 9270 (teacher gave me the answers)
Could you please help
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x=distance from Apia to Austin, y=Apia to Noumea
The sum of these distances is written as x%2By, and 4 times the sum is 4%28x%2By%29. Now set 4%28x%2By%29 equal to the total distance 47,000
4%28x%2By%29=47000


4%28x%2B2480%29=47000 Since we know the distance from Apia to Noumea is 2480 Km, we can plug in y=2480

4x%2B4%2A2480=47000 Distribute


4x%2B9920=47000 Multiply


4x=47000-9920 Subtract 9,920 from both sides


4x=37080 Subtract


x=37080%2F4 Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x


x=9270 Divide


So the distance from Apia to Austin is 9,270 Km