Greg combined different weights of fertilizer, soil, and compost to make 29 kilograms (kg) of potting soil for some plants. The weight of fertilizer was x kg. The weight of soil was 2 kg more than three times the weight of fertilizer, and the weight of compost was half the weight of fertilizer. This is represented in the equation below.
x + (3x + 2) + 1/2 x = 29
What was the difference in the weights of soil and compost Greg combined?

Question

Greg combined different weights of fertilizer, soil, and compost to make 29 kilograms (kg) of potting soil for some plants. The weight of fertilizer was x kg. The weight of soil was 2 kg more than three times the weight of fertilizer, and the weight of compost was half the weight of fertilizer. This is represented in the equation below.
x + (3x + 2) + 1/2 x = 29
What was the difference in the weights of soil and compost Greg combined?

anonymous · Answer

4.5x+2 = 29
        -2    -2
4.5x = 27
/4.5     /4.5
x = 6

x = weight of fertilizer = 6kg
weight of soil = 3x +2= 3(6) +2 = 20kg
weight of compost = (1/2)x = 0.5(6) = 3kg