Question

A small book publisher knows that 20 books weigh 37 lbs. How much do 34 books weigh

Answer 1

62.9 lbs

Explanation:

20 34

37 x

20x = 1258

x = 62.9

Answer 2

`\boxed {\boxed {\sf 62.9 \ pounds}}`

Explanation:

Let's create a proportion using this setup:

`(books)/(weight)=(books)/(weight)`

We know that 20 books weight 37 pounds. We don't what 34 books weigh, so the weight is x pounds.

`(20 \ books)/(37 \ pounds)=(34 \ books)/(x \ pounds)`

`(20)/(37)=(34)/(x)`

Cross multiply. Multiply the first numerator by the second denominator. Then, the first denominator and second numerator.

`20*x=37*34\\20x=1258`

Since we are solving for x, we have to isolate the variable. It is being multiplied and the inverse of multiplication is division. Divide both sides by 20.

`20x/20=1258/20 \\x= 1258/20 \\x=62.9`

34 books weigh 62.9 pounds.