Question

Jim weighs 30 pounds less than Tom, and together they weigh 210 pounds. Let n = Tom's weight in pounds. How much does Tom weigh?

Answer 1

First, let's write an equation for the situation.

Jim's weight is 30 pounds less than Tom's, so his weight is:

n - 30

If Tom's and Jim's weights add to 210:

n + (n - 30) = 210

Solve for n:

2n - 30 = 210

2n = 240

n = 120

Tom weighs 120 pounds.