Question

A wildlife sanctuary has two elephants. One has a weight of 11,028 pounds and the other has a weight of 5.2 tons. A platform can hold 22,000 pounds. Can the platform hold both elephants? Explain your reasoning. (1 ton = 2,000 pounds)

Answer 1

Step 1:

Write the weight of both elephant

11028 pounds and 5.2 tons

Total weight of the platform = 22000 pounds

Step 2:

Convert tons to pounds

1 ton = 2000 pounds

5.2 tons = 5.2 x 2000 = 10400 pounds

Step 3:

Add the total weight of both elephants

= 11028 + 10400

= 21428 pounds

Step 4:

Final answer

The platform can hold both elephants because the weight of the platform is 572 pounds heavier than the combined weight of the two elephants.