SOLUTION: A boat weighs 1500 pounds more than its motor and 1900 pounds more than its trailer.Together the boat and trailer weigh five times as much as the trailer. How much does the boat w

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: A boat weighs 1500 pounds more than its motor and 1900 pounds more than its trailer.Together the boat and trailer weigh five times as much as the trailer. How much does the boat w      Log On


   

Question 211991: A boat weighs 1500 pounds more than its motor and 1900 pounds more than its trailer.Together the boat and trailer weigh five times as much as the trailer. How much does the boat weigh.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let b = weight of boat
Let m = weight of motor
Let t = weight of trailer
given:
(1) b+=+m+%2B+1500
(2) b+=+t+%2B+1900
(3) b+%2B+t+=+5t
equation (1) isn't useful to the problem
(2) and (3) are 2 equations and 2 unknowns,
so I can use them to solve for b
(2) b+=+t+%2B+1900
t+=+b+-+1900
and
(3) b+%2B+t+=+5t
b+=+4t
substituting,
b+=+4%2A%28b+-+1900%29
b+=+4b+-+7600
3b+=+7600
b+=+2533.33
The boat weighs 2533.33 pounds
check answer:
t+=+b+-+1900
t+=+2533.33+-+1900
t+=+633.33
b+=+4t
2533.33+=+4%2A633.33
2533.33+=+2533.33
OK