Question

there are 3500 cartons of apples loading in to a ship with 18 compartments. large compartment hold 250 cartons and small compartment holds 150 cartons. how many cartons will be placed in each compartment? i need help with the working out pliz?

Answer 1

a + b =18
250a + 150b = 3500
a = large compartment
b = small compartment

Answer 2

do you follow where I got those equations from so far? If not I can go back and explain further?

Answer 3

sorry, those should be plural :
a = (number of) large compartments
b = (number of) small compartments

Answer 4

you still there champ?

Answer 5

assuming you're still viewing this, rearrange the first equation to be:
b = 18 - a

Answer 6

sub that into 2nd equation:
250a + 150b = 3500
250a + 150(18 - a) = 3500
250a + 2700 - 150a = 3500
250a - 150a = 3500 - 2700
100a = 800
a = 8

Answer 7

therefore if:
a + b =18
8 + b = 18
b = 10

Answer 8

so the ship has 8 large compartments and 10 small

Answer 9

Good job @Jack1

Answer 10

thanks very much Jack for your help cheers