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Re: Cindy bought 48 containers of soda, all either 12-ounce cans
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05 Jul 2018, 01:46
Explanation
Define variables and translate equations from the given information:
Number of bottles = b
Number of cans = c
\(b + c = 48\) (Number of containers purchased)
\(12c = 20b\) (Equal number of ounces in bottles purchased and cans purchased)
The question asks for b, so isolate c in the first equation and substitute into the second equation:
\(c = 48 - b\)
\(12(48 - b) = 20b\)
\(576 - 12b = 20b\)
\(576 = 32b\)
\(b = 18\)
Check the answer. If Cindy bought 18 bottles, she bought 30 cans. The number of ounces in the bottles was 18 × 20 = 360. The number of ounces in the cans was 30 × 12 = 360.
Hence option A is correct!