3c = p
c + p = 48
these represent the problem
3c = p represents 3 times Carla's dog equals Paulas
c + p = 48 represents the weights equaling 48
plug in 3c = p to c + p = 48 to solve.
3c + (3c) = 48
6c = 48
c = 8
Carla's dog weighs 8 ponds.
8 x 3 = 24
Paula's dog weighs 24 pounds, because her dog weighs 3 times Paula's
Final answer:
Paula's dog weighs 24 pounds
Carla's dog weighs 8 ponds