Question

Two tanks hold a total of 52 gallons of a toxic solvent. One tank holds 4 gallons more than twice the amount in the other. How many gallons does each tank hold?

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gal (smaller value)

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gal (larger value)

Answer 1

The first tank holds 16 gallons, and the second tank holds 36 gallons.

Explanation:

Let's call the amount of solvent in the first tank "x" gallons. According to the problem, the second tank holds 4 gallons more than twice the amount in the first tank, which can be expressed as 2x + 4 gallons.

The total amount of solvent in both tanks is 52 gallons, so we can set up the equation:

x + (2x + 4) = 52

Now, let's solve for x:

3x + 4 = 52

Subtract 4 from both sides of the equation:

3x = 48

Now, divide by 3 to isolate x:

x = 48 / 3

x = 16

So, the first tank holds 16 gallons of solvent. To find the amount in the second tank, use the expression 2x + 4:

2x + 4 = 2(16) + 4 = 32 + 4 = 36

The second tank holds 36 gallons of solvent.