An airline allows each passenger 36 kilograms of luggage. Carl has to lower the weight of his suitcase by 25% to stay within the limit. How much did the suitcase originally weigh?

Question

whpalmer4 · Answer

Let M be the maximum weight allowed, and W be the original weight.  We know that Carl had to remove 25% of W to make his suitcase's weight be M, and we know that M is 36 kg.

(W-25% of W) = M = 36 kg

But 25% is just 25/100, so we can write
$$W - \frac{25}{100}W = 36 kg$$multiply both sides by 100 to get rid of the fraction$$100W - 25W = 3600 kg$$$$75W=3600kg$$Divide both sides by 75 to find W

anonymous · Answer

48?