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Some were fast, and the rest were slow. Ten times the number of fast was 140 less than twice the number of slow. Also, one-half the number of slow exceeded 3 times the number of fast by 10. How many were fast and how many were slow?

Answer :

we write an equation for each statement

Ten times the number of fast was 140 less than twice the number of slow

[tex]10f=2s-140[/tex]

Also, one-half the number of slow exceeded 3 times the number of fast by 10

[tex]\begin{gathered} \frac{s}{2}=3f\times10 \\ \\ \frac{s}{2}=30f \end{gathered}[/tex]

where f is the number of fast and s the numer of slow

Now we can solve one unknow from any equation and replace on the other equaiton

for example:

I will solve s from the second equation

[tex]\begin{gathered} \frac{s}{2}=30f \\ \\ s=2\times30f \\ s=60f \end{gathered}[/tex]

and replace s on the other equation

[tex]\begin{gathered} 10f=2s-140 \\ 10f=2(60f)-140 \\ 10f=120f-140 \end{gathered}[/tex]

now we place the terms with f on the same side

[tex]10f-120f=-140[/tex]

simplify

[tex]\begin{gathered} (10-120)f=-140 \\ -110f=-140 \\ 110f=140 \\ \\ f=\frac{14}{11}\approx1.27 \end{gathered}[/tex]

the number of fast was 1.27

now the number of slow we can check it if we replace f on any equation, for example on the Second

[tex]\begin{gathered} \frac{s}{2}=30f \\ \\ s=2\times30f \\ s=60f \\ s=60(\frac{14}{11}) \\ \\ s=\frac{840}{11}\approx76.36 \end{gathered}[/tex]