The container that holds the water for the football team is 1/2 full. After pouring out 2 gallons of water, it is 1/3 full. How many gallons can the container hold?

Question

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

x = total number of gallons the container holds (when it is filled up to the top)

currently it has (1/2)*x = x/2 gallons of water

pour our 2 gallons and we end up with (x/2) - 2

since it's now 1/3 full, it has x/3 gallons of water left

so this is the equation 

(x/2) - 2 = x/3

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

to clear out the fractions, multiply both sides by 6


(x/2) - 2 = x/3
6*[(x/2) - 2] = 6*(x/3)
6*(x/2) + 6*(-2) = 6*(x/3)
6x/2 - 12 = 6x/3
3x - 12 = 2x


I'll let you finish up

anonymous · Answer

12!

jim_thompson5910 · Answer

correct

anonymous · Answer

Can you help me with more? I'd be so appreciative and solve all of it