Chapter 3: Problem 49
Anna purchased 32 strings for her autoharp. Wrapped strings cost \(\$ 4.49\) each and unwrapped strings cost \(\$ 2.99\) each. If she paid a total of \(\$ 107.68\) for the strings, how many of each type did she buy?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Anna bought 8 wrapped strings and 24 unwrapped strings.
Step by step solution
01
- Define the Variables
Let the number of wrapped strings be denoted as \( w \) and the number of unwrapped strings be denoted as \( u \).
02
- Set Up the Equations
We know the total number of strings is 32. Therefore, we can write the equation: \[ w + u = 32 \]Additionally, we know the total cost of the strings is \$107.68, with wrapped strings costing \$4.49 each and unwrapped strings costing \$2.99 each. This gives us the second equation: \[ 4.49w + 2.99u = 107.68 \]
03
- Solve the System of Equations
First, solve the first equation for one of the variables (for example, \( u \)): \[ u = 32 - w \]Substitute this expression for \( u \) into the second equation: \[ 4.49w + 2.99(32 - w) = 107.68 \]Simplify and solve for \( w \):\[ 4.49w + 2.99 \times 32 - 2.99w = 107.68 \]\[ 4.49w + 95.68 - 2.99w = 107.68 \]\[ 1.5w + 95.68 = 107.68 \]\[ 1.5w = 12 \]\[ w = \frac{12}{1.5} \]\[ w = 8 \]
04
- Find the Value of the Remaining Variable
Substitute the value of \( w \) back into the equation \( u = 32 - w \):\[ u = 32 - 8 \]\[ u = 24 \]
05
- Verify the Solution
Check the values by substituting them back into the original equation to ensure they satisfy both equations:First equation: \[ 8 + 24 = 32 \]Second equation: \[ 4.49 \times 8 + 2.99 \times 24 = 107.68 \]\[ 35.92 + 71.76 = 107.68 \] Both equations are satisfied.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Variables
In solving a system of linear equations, we start by defining the variables. Variables represent the unknown quantities we need to find.
In our problem, we have two types of strings: wrapped and unwrapped.
We use variables to denote these quantities:
In our problem, we have two types of strings: wrapped and unwrapped.
We use variables to denote these quantities:
- Let w signify the number of wrapped strings.
- Let u denote the number of unwrapped strings.
Linear Equations
Linear equations are mathematical statements of equality involving variables, constants, and linear terms.
In our exercise:
These equations help us represent the problem mathematically.
In our exercise:
- The first linear equation, based on the total number of strings, is: \( w + u = 32 \).
- The second linear equation, based on the total cost, is: \( 4.49w + 2.99u = 107.68 \).
These equations help us represent the problem mathematically.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is a technique for solving a system of linear equations. It involves isolating one variable in one equation and substituting this expression into the other equation.
In our solution, we:
In our solution, we:
- Resolved the first equation for u: \( u = 32 - w \).
- Substituted this value into the second equation to get one equation in terms of w only: \( 4.49w + 2.99(32 - w) = 107.68 \).
Verification of Solutions
Verification ensures that the solutions obtained actually satisfy both original equations.
To verify, substitute the found values back into the given equations:
The solution's correctness is confirmed when both checks pass.
To verify, substitute the found values back into the given equations:
- For the first equation: \( 8 + 24 = 32 \), which is true.
- For the second equation: \( 4.49 \times 8 + 2.99 \times 24 = 107.68 \), which also holds true.
The solution's correctness is confirmed when both checks pass.
Problem-Solving Steps
Approaching a problem with a clear plan simplifies finding the solution. Our systematic steps include:
It helps in tackling not just this problem but many other similar problems as well.
- Define Variables: Choose variables to represent the unknowns.
- Set Up Equations: Formulate the problem using linear equations based on given information.
- Solve the System: Use methods like substitution to find the values of the variables.
- Verify the Solution: Check the found values in the original equations to confirm correctness.
It helps in tackling not just this problem but many other similar problems as well.