Question

Help me or a pack of rabid squirrels will steal your wallet.

Answer 1

• 40/3 ounces; 42 ounces

Explanation:

Fish caught by Bridget:

• f, 2f, 3f + 2, 1/2f, 3/5f

Total weight:

• f + 2f + 3f + 2 + 1/2f + 3/5f =
• f(1 + 2 + 3 + 1/2 + 3/5) + 2 =
• f(6 + 5/10 + 6/10) + 2 =
• 71/10f + 2

Fish caught by dad:

• 3f + 2, 4/5f, 2f + 4, 1/2f

Total weight:

• 3f + 2 + 4/5f + 2f + 4 + 1/2f =
• f(3 + 2 + 4/5 + 1/2) + 6 =
• f(5 + 8/10 + 5/10) + 6
• 68/10f + 6

We know that:

• 71/10f + 2 = 68/10f + 6

Solve for f:

• 71/10f - 68/10f = 6 - 2
• 3/10f = 4
• f = 40/3 ounces

The first fish dad caught weighted:

• 3f + 2 = 3*40/3 + 2 = 40 + 2 = 42 ounces