Some birds and squirrels were on a branch of a tree. There were 15 animals on the branch with a total of 50 animal feet. How many birds and how many squirrels were on the branch?

Part 1: Set up the problem. (2 points)

Part 2: Explain why you set it up that way. (1 point)

Part 3: Provide the solution. (1 point)

Question

Some birds and squirrels were on a branch of a tree. There were 15 animals on the branch with a total of 50 animal feet. How many birds and how many squirrels were on the branch?

Part 1: Set up the problem. (2 points)

Part 2: Explain why you set it up that way. (1 point)

Part 3: Provide the solution. (1 point)

anonymous · Answer

part 1:  let b = number of birds...  let s = number of squirrels....
    Then,  2b = number of bird feet..    4s = number of squirrel feet..

So,  part 2:   your 2 equations will be:

b + s = 15 (animals)
2b + 4s = 50 (animal feet)

anonymous · Answer

Then, to solve, use   substitution:    b = 15 - s       

2b + 4s = 50..        so,  2(15 - s) + 4s = 50     

30 - 2s + 4s = 50     s = 10    (10 squirrels)...     and, then  5 birds!!