Question

The fat cat weighs twice as much as the tiny dog.There are two unknowns in this problem, the weight of the cat and the weight of the dog,Both unknowns need to be described with the same variable. Do not use two differentletters. Give the variable to the unknown we know the least about, then use the given info tocreate an expression for the second unknown using the same variable.1. We know least about the weight of the dog, so let x equal the weight of the dog. Definethe weight of the cat in terms of x. See earlier examples if you need help.2. Write the simplified expression that models the combined weight of the cat and the dog.

Answer 1

From the instructions on point number 1, let x be the weight of the dog.

Since the cat weighs twice as much as the dog, then the weight of the cat is equal to 2x.

The combined weight of the cat and the dog is the sum of their individual weights. Therefore, it is equal to 2x+x, which is equal to 3x.