Question

Ratio help please!

Answer 1

How much does the smaller bottle hold? NAME it. Seriously, just give it a name. You'll be about half way done.

Answer 2

small can be y, large can be x

Answer 3

Can you translate in terms of x and y?

"Smaller contains 6 more than half the large."

Answer 4

y=(x/2)+6

Answer 5

I think you have it. Now, set up the proportion.

Answer 6

Thats what I'm having trouble with.

Answer 7

Two bottles have capacities in the ratio 4 to 7. The smaller bottle holds 6 ounces more than half of the larger bottle. How many ounces will the smaller bottle hold?


let x be the smaller bottle and y is the larger

x/y = 4/7
x = ½y + 6

substitute the value of x in the first equation

x/y = 4/7
(½y + 6)/y = 4/7
7(½y + 6) = 4y
(7/2)y + 42 = 4y
multiply both sides by 2
7y + 84 = 8y
84 = 8y - 7y
84 = y

x = ½y + 6
x = (½)(84) + 6
x = 42 + 6
x = 48

So how many ounces are there?

Answer 8

Dear @DJJo , please don't change variables in the middle of the problem. We already defined y = smaller and x = larger. Your opposite definition is strenuous.

Answer 9

ok, i'll try to make it less confusing next time

Answer 10

You may also wish to consider letting the student show some work rather than you doing it all. You can't be there on an exam.