SOLUTION: Hi, I would like to say thank you for your help in advanced! Here is my question: A certain power plant consumes 1500 tonnes of coal in 4.0 weeks. There is a stockpile

Algebra ->  Rate-of-work-word-problems -> SOLUTION: Hi, I would like to say thank you for your help in advanced! Here is my question: A certain power plant consumes 1500 tonnes of coal in 4.0 weeks. There is a stockpile       Log On


   



Question 993393: Hi,
I would like to say thank you for your help in advanced!
Here is my question:
A certain power plant consumes 1500 tonnes of coal in 4.0 weeks. There is a stockpile of 10,000 tonnes of coal available when the plant starts operating.After 3.0 weeks in operation, an additional boiler, capable of using 2300 tonnes in 3.0 weeks, is put on line with the first boiler. In how many more weeks will the stockpile of coal be consumed?
Please explain your answer and how you actually set the equation up. I am having trouble figuring out the set up of these word problems.
Thank you,
Anthony

Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The first boiler uses 1500tonnes/4weeks=375 tonnes/wk
The second uses 2300tonnes/3wks=766.67tonnes/wk
Together:375 tonnes/wk+766.67 tonnes/wk=1141.67 tonnes/wk
.
Coal left when second boiler starts=10000tonnes-3wks(375tonnes/wk)
Coal left when second boiler starts=10000tone-1125tonnes=8875 tonnes
.
Together the two boilers will burn 8875 tonnes:
8875 tonnes/1141.67 tonnes per week=7.77 weeks
.
ANSWER: The stockpile will be consumed in 7.77 weeks