locker combination word problem

Question

if a lock on a locker has a combination of x, x-1 and the third one is both of the previous combinations combined divided by three. what is the third combination?

Answer 1

Hi Bailey,

 

Let's begin with what we are given:

    Combination #1 = x

    Combination #2 = x -1 

    Combination #3 =
        (Combination #1 + Combination #2) / 3

 

Plugging in our given expressions for Combination #1 and Combination #2 into our given relationship for Combination #3, we get our answer:

    Combination #3 = ((x) + (x - 1)) / 3

    Combination #3 = (x + x - 1) / 3

    Combination #3 = (2x - 1) / 3

 

Thanks for submitting this problem and glad to help.

 

God bless, Jordan.