How to solve picture algebra?

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1 Answer
Jan 12, 2018

#B = 2214# gallons
#A = 1107# gallons
#C = 2279# gallons

Explanation:

Mathematics is just a type of language or tool that helps us to solve practical problems. All useful solutions start with a real problem, which is necessarily described in "normal" language of our observations.

To construct a mathematical formula from a word problem, write down all of the values given and any relationships to each other that they may have. Then identify the answer you are looking for and arrange the given information in a way that will result in that answer. Any gaps in your information are usually what you need to solve.

In this case we have a total volume of 5600 gallons. We have three pipes, A, B, and C that are related in terms of the amount of water that they can carry.

#B = 2 xx A# ; #C = B + 65# ; so we can define everything in relation to "B". solve the equation for B and then use the original equations to find A and C.
#5600 = A + B + C# ; #A = B/2# ; #C = B + 65#

#5600 = B/2 + B + B + 65# ; #5600 = B/2 + 2B + 65#
multiply by 2 to remove the fraction
#11200 = B + 4B + 130# ; #11070 = 5B#
#B = 2214#
#A = B/2# ; #A= 2214/2 = 1107#
#C = B + 65# ; #C = 2214 + 65 = 2279#

CHECK!: #2214 + 1107 + 2279 = 5600#
#5600 = 5600# Correct!