Question

The lifespan of a hamster is 4 years less than that of a rabbit. The lifespan of a raccoon is 2 times that of the hamster. If the total lifespan of the animals is 24 years, calculate the longevity for the rabbit.

Answer 1

9 years

Explanation:

Let

Lifespan of rabbits = x

Lifespan of hamster = x - 4

Lifespan of raccoon = 2(x - 4)

Total lifespan of animals = 24

Total = rabbits + hamster + raccoon

24 = x + (x - 4) + 2(x - 4)

24 = x + x - 4 + 2x - 8

24 = 4x - 12

24 + 12 = 4x

36 = 4x

x = 36/4

x = 9 years

longevity for the rabbit = 9 years

Lifespan of rabbits = x = 9

Lifespan of hamster = x - 4

= 9 - 4

= 5

Lifespan of raccoon = 2(x - 4)

= 2(9 - 4)

= 2(5)

= 10

Total lifespan of animals = 24