Question

A small aircraft can carry 950 pounds of baggage, distributed between two storage compartments. On one flight, the plane is fully loaded, with 550 pounds more baggage in one compartment than the other. How much is stowed in each compartment? The smaller compartment holds Ibs and the larger compartment holds Ibs.

Answer 1

ok

small compartment = s

large compartment = l

total pounds = 950 lbs

Equation

950 = s + l

Substitution

950 = 550 + s + s

Solve for s

950 - 550 = 2s

400 = 2s

s = 400/2

s = 200 lbs

Amount stowed in the small compartment = 200 lbs

Amount stowed in the large compartment = 550 + 200

= 750 lbs