SOLUTION: How many items are in each box if 900 items are divided: among three boxes such that the first box contains half of the second box while the third box contains thrice of the first

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: How many items are in each box if 900 items are divided: among three boxes such that the first box contains half of the second box while the third box contains thrice of the first       Log On


   

Question 1040349: How many items are in each box if 900 items are divided: among three boxes such that the first box contains half of the second box while the third box contains thrice of the first box?
Answer by Theo(13342) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x be the amount in the first box.

then 2x is the amount in the second box, and 3x is the amount in the third box.

the first box contains half of the second box because x is 1/2 of 2x.

the third box contains three times the first box because 3x is 3 times x.

the requirements of the problem statement are satisfied.

the sum of all of the amounts in each box is therefore x + 2x + 3x = 6x.

since the total of the amount in all 3 boxes is 900, your equation becomes 6x = 900

divide both sides of this equation by 6 to get x = 900/6 = 150.

the first box contains x which is equal to 150.
the second box contains 2x which is equal to 300.
the third box contains 3x which is equal to 450.

add them up and you have a total of 900.