SOLUTION: The number of alligators varies directly as the number of snakes and inversely as the number of crocodiles. When there were 24 alligators and 16 snakes, there were 2 crocodiles. Ho

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Question 31762: The number of alligators varies directly as the number of snakes and inversely as the number of crocodiles. When there were 24 alligators and 16 snakes, there were 2 crocodiles. How many snakes are there when there are 72 alligators and 6 crocodiles?
Answer by mukhopadhyay(490) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Number of alligators = x
Number of snakes = y
Number of crocodiles = x
x=ky/x (because of direct and inverse variation)
24 = 16k/2 (from 24 alligators, 16 snakes and 2 crocodiles )
=> 24 = 8k
=> k = 3
=> x = 3y/z
When there are 72 alligators, and 6 crocodiles,
72 = 3y/6
=> y = 6*72/3 = 144
Answer: There would be 144 snakes when there are 72 alligators and 6 crocodiles