Question 212475
An elevator is rated to safely hold ten 250 lb people. The elevator is loaded as follows: three 600 lbs cartons of books, Jim (180 lbs), Gavin (330 lbs), Deb (250 lbs), and Susan (120 lbs). In actuality, this elevator is safe holding 10% more than the posted limit. How much more weight could be safely added to this elevator?
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elevator can hold 10 * 250 = 2500 pounds.
10% over that limit would make the elevator able to really hold 2750 pounds (2500 + .1 * 2500 = 2500 + 250 = 2750).
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3 * 600 pounds of books = 1800 pounds
Jim = 180 pounds.
Gavin = 330 pounds.
Deb = 250 pounds
Susan = 120 pounds.
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total pounds in the elevator is:
1800 + 180 + 330 + 250 + 120 = 2680 pounds
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the elevator has exceeded its posted limit by 180 pounds (2680 - 2500 = 180).
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the elevator can safely hold another 70 pounds based on the fact that it can really hold 2750 pounds (2680 + 70 = 2750).
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