Question

a local pet groomer must cut nails of 40 birds and cats. If there are 110 feet, how many birds and how many cats?
b+c=40......2b+4c=110......how do I figure the equation??

Answer 1

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Answer 2

b + c = 40 --> b = 40 - c
2b + 4c = 110

now sub 40 - c in for b in the second equation and solve for c. Once c is found, sub that back into the first equation and solve for b.

understand ?

Answer 3

how do I figure 40-c? sorry :(

Answer 4

I isolated a variable in the equation : b + c = 40. I isolated b by subtracting c from both sides. You could have isolated c and got c = 40 - b. You could do either one.

since I isolated b and got b = 40 - c, I will sub this into the 2nd equation.
2b + 4c = 110 (sub in 40 - c in for b)
2(40 - c) + 4c = 110 (distribute through the parenthesis)
80 - 2c + 4c = 110 (now subtract 80 from both sides)
-2c + 4c = 110 - 80 (combine like terms)
2c = 30
c = 15 (there are 15 cats.

now sub 15 in for c in the 1st equation
b + c = 40
b + 15 = 40
b = 40 - 15
b = 25

now we will check our answers..
2b + 4c = 110
2(25) + 4(15) = 110
50 + 60 = 110
110 = 110 (correct)

15 cats and 25 birds

any questions ?

Answer 5

THANK YOU!!!! SOOOOO MUCH

Answer 6

anytime...glad I could help :)