SOLUTION: Can I please get some help to solve this word problem? Enrollment at a local university is 8500. There are one third as many students over the age of 25 as there are 25 and under.

Algebra ->  Average -> SOLUTION: Can I please get some help to solve this word problem? Enrollment at a local university is 8500. There are one third as many students over the age of 25 as there are 25 and under.      Log On


   

Question 530495: Can I please get some help to solve this word problem?
Enrollment at a local university is 8500. There are one third as many students over the age of 25 as there are 25 and under. How many students are 25 and under and how many are over 25?
Answer by oberobic(2304) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x = number of students 25 and under
y = number of students over 25
.
x + y = 8500
so
x = 8500 -y
.
y = 1/3x
so
x = 3y
.
substitute
.
x = 3(8500-x)
.
x = 25500 -3x
.
4x = 25500
.
x = 6375
.
8500-x = 2125
.
The number of students 25 and under is 6375.
.
The number of students over 25 is 2125.
.
The number of students over 25 = 2125/6375 = 1/3 the number of students 25 and under.
.
Done.