Question

James has 3 pairs of running shoes for every 4 pairs of basketball shoes. If he has 12 pairs of basketball shoes, how many pairs of shoes in total does he have?

Answer 1

James, approximately has:

5 pairs of running shoes

7 pairs of basketball shoes

Explanation:

3s = 4b eq. 1

s + b = 12 eq. 2

from eq. 2:

s = 12 - b eq. 3

Replacing eq. 3 in eq. 1:

3(12-b) = 4b

3*12 + 3*-b = 4b

36 - 3b = 4b

36 = 4b + 3b

36 = 7b

b = 36/7

b = 5 (aprox)

from eq. 2

s + 5 = 12

s = 12-5

s = 7 (aprox.)