Question

A carpenter makes legs for 3-legged stools and 4-legged tables. He makes a total of 46 legs.

He could have made legs for how many 3-legged stools?

A.
8

B.
10

C.
12

D.
16
help!!!

Answer 1

If he is only making stools, he would only be able to make 15 stools, because 3 legs for each stool, 46 total legs, 46/3, correct?

Answer 2

3s + 4t = 46

Sub in your answer choices in for s

(A) 3(8) + 4t = 46
24 + 4t = 46
4t = 46 - 24
4t = 22
t = 22/4 = 5 1/2
This one will not work because your answer has to be a whole number with no fractions.

Now try the 2nd one...
(B) 3(10) + 4t = 46
30 + 4t = 46
4t = 46 - 30
4t = 16
t = 4
BINGO...this one works. 10 three legged stools and 4 four legged tables can be made.

(C) 3(12) + 4t = 46
36 + 4t = 46
4t = 46 - 36
4t = 10
t = 10/4 = 2 1/2 (will not work)

(D) 3(16) + 4t = 46
48 + 4t = 46
4t = 46 - 48
t = - 2 (will not work)

any questions ?

Answer 3

I don't understand how you arrived at using the equation you did (3s + 4t = 46) given the information they are asking for. They aren't asking to factor in tables, only stools.

Answer 4

It would seem then that the answers are incorrect, no?

Answer 5

@timo86m ...can you take a look at this.
I thought I did the problem correctly, however, joshua has a point. They are only asking for stool legs. I am having doubts. What do you think ?

Answer 6

@thomaster ...please take a look at this