Question

Two tanks hold a total of 55 gallons of a toxic solvent. One tank holds 4 gallons more than twice the amount in the other. How many gallons does each tank hold?

Answer 1

Explanation:

If x is the volume of the first tank, and y is the volume of the second tank, then:

x + y = 55

x = 2y + 4

Solve the system of equations using either substitution or elimination. Using substitution:

2y + 4 + y = 55

3y + 4 = 55

3y = 51

y = 17

Solve for x using either equation.

x + 17 = 55

x = 38

The first tank holds 38 gallons, and the second tank holds 17 gallons.

Answer 2

Answer: the larger tank holds 38 gallons and the smaller tank holds 17 gallons.

Explanation:

Let x represent the number of gallons of the toxic solvent that the larger tank holds.

Let y represent the number of gallons of the toxic solvent that the smaller tank holds.

The two tanks hold a total of 55 gallons of a toxic solvent. This means that

x + y = 55

One tank holds 4 gallons more than twice the amount in the other. This is expressed as

x = 2y + 4 - - - - - - - - - - - - -1

Substituting x = 55 - y into equation 1, it becomes

55 - y = 2y + 4

2y + y = 55 - 4

3y = 51

y = 51/3

y = 17

x = 55 - y = 55 - 17

x = 38