Question

Some birds and squirrels were on a branch of a tree. There were 15 animals on the branch with a total of 50 animal feet. How many birds and how many squirrels were on the branch?

Part 1: Set up the problem. (2 points)

Part 2: Explain why you set it up that way. (1 point)

Part 3: Provide the solution. (1 point)

Answer 1

First you have to set up how many feet there are: x= birds feet ; y= squirrel feet.
2x+4y=50

Answer 2

Then you have to give values to X and Y in order to solve the ecuation.

Answer 3

x + y = 15
2x +4y = 50

Answer 4

Solve the system of equations...substitution?
y =15-x
2x + 4(15-x) = 50
2x + 60 -4x = 50
-2x + 60 = -10
-2x = -10
x = 5 5 birds, 10 squirrels

Answer 5

x + y = 15 squirrels and birds = 15 animals
2x + 4y = 50 birds have two legs, squirrels have four legs
y = 15 - x solved for y so I could substitute into the second equation

Answer 6

So why did you set it up the way it is?

Answer 7

I needed more information than just the number of feet per animal. I could have figured out the solution, but it was faster knowing there were 15 animals.

Answer 8

The problem gave you two conditions.
1. there were 15 birds and squirrels
2. the feet added together totaled 50

Answer 9

Thank you for your help!