Math Problem Statement

A summer camp is organizing a hike and needs to buy granola bars for the campers. The granola bars come in small boxes and large boxes. Each small box has 10 granola bars and each large box has 12 granola bars. The camp bought a total of 9 boxes that have 100 granola bars altogether. Write a system of equations that could be used to determine the number of small boxes purchased and the number of large boxes purchased. Define the variables that you use to write the system.

Solution

To create a system of equations for this problem, let's define the variables first:

  1. Define Variables:

    • Let xx = the number of small boxes purchased.
    • Let yy = the number of large boxes purchased.
  2. Formulating Equations:

    • Since each small box has 10 granola bars and each large box has 12 granola bars, and we know the camp bought a total of 100 granola bars, we can set up the first equation: 10x+12y=10010x + 12y = 100
    • The camp bought a total of 9 boxes in all, so: x+y=9x + y = 9
  3. System of Equations:

    • The system of equations to solve for xx and yy is: x+y=9x + y = 9 10x+12y=10010x + 12y = 100

Would you like a step-by-step solution to solve for xx and yy as well?


Relative Questions to Consider:

  1. How would the system of equations change if there were a different total number of granola bars?
  2. What if each small box contained 8 granola bars instead of 10?
  3. How can substitution help solve this system of equations?
  4. What if the camp bought a total of 120 granola bars? How would you modify the equations?
  5. Can you solve for the variables if given an additional constraint?

Tip: Always define your variables clearly in word problems to make it easier to translate conditions into equations.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Systems of Linear Equations

Formulas

10x + 12y = 100 (total granola bars)
x + y = 9 (total boxes)

Theorems

Linear Equation Solving Methods (Substitution and Elimination)

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 8-10