Question

Snookers Lumber can convert logs into either lumber or plywood. In a given day, the mill turns out 3 times as many units of plywood as lumber. it makes a profit of $30 on a unit of lumber and $50 on a unit of plywood. How many of each unit must be produced and sold in order to make a profit of $18360?

Answer 1

The first equation:
Profit is the number of units times the money made per unit. This is calculated for both Lumber and Plywood.
Units_of_Lumber($30) + Units_of_Plywood($50) = $18,360
30L + 50P = 18360

The second equation:
The problem states that there is three times the amount of plywood produce than lumber.
Units_of_Plywood = 3 * Units_of_Lumber
P = 3L

Substitute 3L for P.
30L + 50(3L) = 18360

Solve.
30L + 150L = 18360
180L = 18360
L = 102 Units of Lumber
P = 3L = 306 Units of Plywood