Question

If Paul and Steve are the same height and they are both correct, write an equation to represent this relationship. Put Paul's expression on the left side of the equal sign and Steve's expression on the right.

Answer 1

Theresa's height=60 inches

Paul's height= Steve's height=74 inches

Explanation:

Theresa has two brothers,Paul and Steve, who are both the same height. Paul says he is 16 inches shorter than 1 1/2 times Theresa's height. Steve says he's 6 inches shorter than 1 1/3 times Theresa's height. If they're both right, how tall is Theresa ?

Let

p=paul's height

s=steve's height

t=theresa's height

Paul's height = Steve's height

p=s

Paul says he is 16 inches shorter than 1 1/2 times Theresa's height

1 1/2 * t -16

=3/2t -16

Steve says he is 6 inches shorter than 1 1/3 times Theresa's height

1 1/3 * t - 6

=4/3t - 6

P=S

3/2t -16 = 4/3t - 6

Collect like terms

3/2t-4/3t= -6+16

9t-8t/6 =10

t/6=10

Cross product

t=60

Theresa's height=60 inches

P=3/2t -16

=3/2(60) -16

=180/2 -16

=90-16

=74 inches

p=s

Paul's height=74 inches