weight of the brick in pounds.

Question

You have a scale. On one side of the scale is a brick. On the other side of the scale is half of a brick and a ¾ lb weight. If the scale is balanced what is the weight of the brick in pounds.

Answer 1

This is a balance scale and it is balanced (so the sides weigh equal amounts).

 

Let x-weight of brick

 

        Left side      =    Right side

          x              =    (1/2)x   +  (3/4)

 

Solve for x:

      4x = 2x + 3           [multiply by 4 to get rid of fractions]

      2x = 3                 [subtract 2x from both sides]

       x  = 3/2             [divide both sides by 2]

   A brick weights 1.5 lbs.