Question

A delivery of 5 large boxes and 3 small boxes has a total mass of 137 kilograms. A delivery of 2 large boxes and 6 small boxes has a total mass of 128 kilograms. What is the mass of each type of box?

Answer 1

Answer:

Large boxes are 18.25 kg

Small boxes are 15.25 kg

Step-by-step explanation:

This is a system of equations. You need to set up each equation first.

I am assigning x to be big boxes and y to be small boxes.

5x + 3y = 137

2x + 6y = 128

To solve, you will need to eliminate a variable. That means you will have to multiply one of the equations by a number to make it so a variable will be eliminated. I will be multiplying the top equation by -2.

-2 ( 5x + 3y = 137)

    2x + 6y = 128

Distribute the -2 to everything in the parentheses in the first equation.

-10x - 6y = -274

2x + 6y = 128

Notice the 6y will go away because -6y + 6y = 0. Now add the equations together. The remaining equation is:

-8x = -146

Solve for x by dividing by -8.

x = 18.25

Now plug that into one of the original equations.

2(18.25) + 6y = 128.

36.5 + 6y = 128                Subtract 36.5 from each side

-36.5            -36.5

6y = 91.5                          Divide by 6 to solve

y = 15.25