Question

Susan begins counting backward from 1298 by 4's, saying one number every 5 seconds. At the same time, Jim begins counting forward from 171 by 3's, saying one number every 5 seconds. What number will they both say at the same time?
@dumbcow @Boblovesmath

Answer 1

@hartnn

Answer 2

you should equate them:

1298 - 4(x) = 171 +3x

and then you solve for x and you plug it back into the equation to get the number you want.

The reason why we equate them is that the number they lay upon should be the same.

Answer 3

@Boblovesmath Can you help me equate this equation by solving for x. @hartnn Can you also help me if possible, :)

Answer 4

I just equated it for you it was the first thing that I wrote.

Answer 5

But what is the number? There is a specific number to this problem.

Answer 6

yeah you find x and then to find the number you just plug it into to either 1298 - 4x or 171 + 3x as you will get the same number. All the best.

Answer 7

@hartnn Please help

Answer 8

yes, i think
1298 - 4(x) = 171 +3x
would work, because the time interval for both (5 sec) is same

Answer 9

Should I give you the answer choices?

Answer 10

is 654 in it ?

Answer 11

Yes. How how did u get that? Please help me.

Answer 12

did u get how that equation is formed ?

Answer 13

Kind of. Can u explain the usage for x in it.

Answer 14

after 5 sec, you have decremented 1298 by 4,
after 10 sec , decremented 1298 by 8
and so on, after x seconds, which we consider the time when we have same count,
you would have decremented 1298 by 4x
which is 1298 -4x

Answer 15

Ok now how did u get 654 from that equation?

Answer 16

1298-4x = 171+3x
add 4x on both sides
then subtract 171 from both sides

Answer 17

So do I add 4x to 3x?

Answer 18

yes

Answer 19

So that would be 1298=171+7x?

Answer 20

yes

Answer 21

Then I do 1298-171, the difference divided by 7 will equal to x. Right?

Answer 22

yes

Answer 23

but the number you require is
1298 - 4x
or 171 +3x

Answer 24

But wouldn't the division be equal to 654?

Answer 25

which division ?

Answer 26

Difference divided by 4?

Answer 27

no...it won't
did u do it ?

Answer 28

*Sorry by 7 :/

Answer 29

I don't have a calculator at hand.

Answer 30

1298 - 171 = 1127
1127/7 = 161

Answer 31

171 + 3*161 = 654

Answer 32

So what do I do now?..??

Answer 33

where are you even stuck ?

Answer 34

Ugh! By why 3??

Answer 35

171 +3x is your number

Answer 36

Thx..

Answer 37

welcome ^_^