SOLUTION: Suppose that the weight (in pounds) of an airplane is a linear function of the amount of fuel (in gallons) in its tank. When carrying 16 gallons of fuel, the airplane weighs 2188 p

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Suppose that the weight (in pounds) of an airplane is a linear function of the amount of fuel (in gallons) in its tank. When carrying 16 gallons of fuel, the airplane weighs 2188 p      Log On


   

Question 1083351: Suppose that the weight (in pounds) of an airplane is a linear function of the amount of fuel (in gallons) in its tank. When carrying 16 gallons of fuel, the airplane weighs 2188 pounds. When carrying 42 gallons of fuel, it weighs 2331 pounds. How much does the airplane weigh if it is carrying 58 gallons of fuel?
Answer by ikleyn(52879) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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From the condition, the weight of 1 gallon of fuel is 

w = %282331-2188%29%2F%2842-16%29 = 5.5 pounds.


Now, to answer the question, we need to add the weight of (58-42) = 16 gallons of fuel to the weight of the plane 
carrying 42 gallons of fuel, 2331 pounds.


So, the answer is 2331 + 16*5.5 = 2419 pounds.

Answer. 2419 pounds.