SEARCH HOME
Math CentralQuandaries & Queries

search

Question from Eileen, a student:

At first, Gina's weight was 4/7 of Helen's weight. Then, Gina gained 3kg while Helen lost 6kg. They are the same weight now. What is Helen's weight now?

Hi Eileen,

Suppose, at the first, that G is Gina's weight in pounds and H is Helen's weight in pounds. Gina's weight was 4/7 of Helen's weight so

G = 4/7 × H.

What is Gina's weight now? What is Helen's weight now? These two quantities are equal so this gives you a second equation in G and H. Substitute G = 4/7 × H into this second equation and solve for H.

Penny

About Math Central
 

 


Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.
Quandaries & Queries page Home page University of Regina PIMS