Question 214757
A clown weighs 60lb more than a trapeze artist. The trapeze artist weighs two thirds as much as the clown. How much does each weigh? Choice for the weight of the trapeze artist: 110, 120, 125.


Step 1.  Let x be the weight of the trapeze artist and x+60 is the weight of the clown.


Step 2.  {{{x=2(x+60)/3}}}  Trapeze artist weights two thirds as much as the clown.


Step 3.  Solving equation in Step 2 yields


{{{x=2(x+60)/3}}}


Multiply by 3 to both sides of equation to get rid of denominator


{{{3x=2(x+60)=2x+120}}}


Subtract 2x to both sides of equation


{{{3x-2x=2x+120-2x}}}


{{{x=120}}}


Then weight to clown is


{{{x+60=180}}}


Step 4.  Weight of trapeze artist is 120 pounds and weight of clown is 180 pounds.


Step 5.  ANSWER:  Trapeze artist weighs 120 pounds.


I hope the above steps were helpful. 


For free Step-By-Step Videos on Introduction to Algebra, please visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/IntroAlgebra or for Trigonometry visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/Trigonometry.


And good luck in your studies!


Respectfully,
Dr J