SOLUTION: John agreed to work on his uncle's ranch 3 months one summer for $650 and a used car. At the end of 2 months, he was needed at home, so his uncle paid him $200 and the car. What wa

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Numbers -> SOLUTION: John agreed to work on his uncle's ranch 3 months one summer for $650 and a used car. At the end of 2 months, he was needed at home, so his uncle paid him $200 and the car. What wa      Log On

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Question 5297: John agreed to work on his uncle's ranch 3 months one summer for $650 and a used car. At the end of 2 months, he was needed at home, so his uncle paid him $200 and the car. What was the value of the car?
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = value of the car.
3 months salary = x + 650
1 month value = +%28x%2B650%29+%2F3

2 months salary = x + 200
1 month value = +%28x%2B200%29%2F2

Equation:
+%28x%2B650%29+%2F+3+=+%28x%2B+200%29%2F2

Using the property a%2Fb=c%2Fd is equivalent to ad=+bc
+%28x%2B650%29+%2F+3+=+%28x%2B+200%29%2F2 is equivalent to 2%28x%2B650%29+=+3%28x%2B+200%29
2x+%2B+1300+=+3x+%2B+600
+700+=+x
Value of car = $700

Check: Three months salary = $650 + 700 = $1350 or $450 per month
Two months salary = $200 + 700 = $900 or $450 per month

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