Question

In a talent show of singing and comedy acts, singing acts are 4.5 minutes long and comedy acts are 3.5 minutes long. The show has 14 total acts and lasts 59 minutes. How many singing acts and comedy acts are there?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Let the number of singing act be x

Let the number of comedy act be y

If the total act is 14, then;

x+y = 14..... 1

If singing acts are 4.5 minutes long and comedy acts are 3.5 minutes long and the acts lasts 59 minutes, then:

4.5x + 3.5y = 59 .......... 2

Solve both equation simultaneously for x and y

x+y = 14

45x+35y = 590

.................................

x+y = 14......... *9

9x+7y = 118....... 1

...............................

9x+9y = 126

9x+7y = 118

Subtract both equations

9y-7y = 126-118

2y = 8

y = 8/2

y = 4

Substitute y = 4 into equation 1;

From 1: x+y = 14

x+4 = 14

x = 14-4

x =10

Hence there are 10 singing acts and 4 comedy acts in the show