SOLUTION: The cost of a museum trip was $120. The people who signed up for the trip were to split the cost equally. However, five people were absent that day, so that those who did go had

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: The cost of a museum trip was $120. The people who signed up for the trip were to split the cost equally. However, five people were absent that day, so that those who did go had       Log On


   



Question 752853: The cost of a museum trip was $120. The people who signed up for the trip were to split the cost equally. However, five people were absent that day, so that those who did go had to pay $2 more. How many people actually went to the museum?
Answer by dkppathak(439) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let total people plan to trip is x
per head exp for trip was=120/x
actually 5 less people (x-5) reported for trip
per head contribution for trip will be =120/x-5
as per given conditions
120/x-5 +2 =120/x
2 =120/x -120/x-5
2=120(x-5)-120x/x(x-5)
2 = 120(x-5-x)/x^2-5x
2 = 120 multiplied by -5/x^2-5x
2x^2 -10x =-600
x^2 -5x = -300
x^2 -5x +300 =0
x^2-20x +15x+300 =0
x(x-20) +15(x-20) =0
(x-20) (x+15)
x-20=0 or x+15 =0
x=20 or x= -15
neglecting negative value
initial people plan for trip was 20
and actual people gone for trip was 15 ANSWER