Question

Eight trucks hold a total of 10 and 1/2 tons of cargo. Half the trucks are
large and the rest are small. Each large truck holds twice as much
cargo as a small truck. How much cargo can two large trucks and
one small truck hold? Write an equation and explain how you
found your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

2 large trucks = 14 tons of cargo

1 small truck = 3½ tons of cargo

Equation: x + 2x = 10½

Step-by-step explanation:

8 trucks - 4 large trucks, 4 small trucks

small truck = x

large truck = 2x

First, you need to find out how much cargo 1 large truck and 1 small truck can hold.

x + 2x = 10½

3x = 21/2

3x = 10.5

x = 3.5 or 3½

1 small truck can hold 3½ tons of cargo, and 1 large truck can hold 7 tons of cargo.

Next, you need to substitute and find how much cargo 4 large trucks can hold. (Remember: 1 large truck = 7 tons of cargo)

2x

= 2(7)

= 14 tons of cargo

4 large trucks can hold 14 tons of cargo.

Finally, you know that one small truck equals 3½ tons of cargo.