SOLUTION: In an alloy of copper, tin, and lead, 16 lbs. less than 1/2 is copper; 12 lbs. less than 1/3 is tin; 4 lbs. less than 1/4 is lead. Determine weight of total alloy.
c = copper
Algebra ->
Customizable Word Problem Solvers
-> Misc
-> SOLUTION: In an alloy of copper, tin, and lead, 16 lbs. less than 1/2 is copper; 12 lbs. less than 1/3 is tin; 4 lbs. less than 1/4 is lead. Determine weight of total alloy.
c = copper
Log On
Question 1171170: In an alloy of copper, tin, and lead, 16 lbs. less than 1/2 is copper; 12 lbs. less than 1/3 is tin; 4 lbs. less than 1/4 is lead. Determine weight of total alloy.
c = copper
t = tin
y = lead
c = 16 - .5
t = 12 - .333
y = 4 - .25
Not sure how to solve. Answer by ikleyn(52802) (Show Source):
Your approach is TOTALLY WRONG.
See my solution below and WATCH attentively EVERY MY STEP.
Let x be the total weight, in pounds. THEN
copper = ; tin = ; lead = .
Your equation is the equation for the total
copper + tin + lead = x, or
+ + = x.
To solve it, multiply all the terms by 12. You will get
6x - 192 + 4x - 144 + 3x - 48 = 12x
13x = 12x + 192 + 144 + 48
13x - 12x = 384.
x = 384 pounds.
ANSWER. the total weight of the alloy is 384 pounds.
Solved.
It is really good problem (!)
------------
comment from student : I made an error in posting problem: Should be; 4 lbs. more than 1/4 is lead.
Sorry for error. Would that make a difference in answer?
