Question

A truck carries apples, grapes, and blackberries in the ratio of 4:3:4. If the apples weigh 160 pounds, how much does the truckload of fruit weigh in total.

Answer 1

440 pounds

Explanation:

The ratio of the total weight to the weight of apples is ...

(4 + 3 + 4) : 4 = 11/4

So, the total weight will be ...

total weight = (total weight)/(apple weight) × (apple weight) = (11/4)×(160 lb)

total weight = 440 lb

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Comment on the problem

The problem doesn't say what the ratio is. We have to assume it is the ratio of weights. (It could be the ratios by volume, sugar content, cost, or any of a number of other factors.)