SOLUTION: Strain A started with 6000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 2000 cells per hour. Strain B started with 2000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 1000 cells per hour

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Strain A started with 6000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 2000 cells per hour. Strain B started with 2000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 1000 cells per hour      Log On


   

Question 802474: Strain A started with 6000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 2000 cells per hour. Strain B started with 2000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 1000 cells per hour. When will the strains have the same number of cells? Explain.
I can't figure out how to write this particular type of equation....we must write two equations for this situation.
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, richwmiller:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Strain A started with 6000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 2000 cells per hour. Strain B started with 2000 cells and decreased at a constant rate of 1000 cells per hour. When will the strains have the same number of cells?
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A(x) = 6000 - 2000x
B(x) = 2000 - 1000x
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Solve:: A(x) = B(x)
6000-2000x = 2000-1000x
1000x = 4000
x = 4 hrs
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Cheers,
Stan H.

Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
After two hours there will be no cells in strain B
After 3 hours, there will be no cells in strain A
After 3 hours, they will both have 0 cells
Why does the math say 4 hours?
6000-2000h=2000-1000h
4000=1000h
4=h