9514 1404 393
Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x and y represent the weights of the large and small boxes, respectively. The problem statement gives rise to the system of equations ...
x + y = 85 . . . . . combined weight of a large and small box
70x +50y = 5350 . . . . combined weight of 70 large and 50 small boxes
We can subtract 50 times the first equation from the second to find the weight of a large box.
(70x +50y) -50(x +y) = (5350) -50(85)
20x = 1100 . . . . simplify
x = 55 . . . . . . . divide by 20
Using this in the first equation, we can find the weight of a small box.
55 +y = 85
y = 30 . . . . . . . subtract 55
A large box weighs 55 pounds; a small box weighs 30 pounds.
