jerry wants to plant a total of 63 flowers. how many tulips should he plant?

Question

jerry is planting flowers in his garden. he wants the ratio of tulips to roses to be 5 to 2. jerry wants to plant a total of 63 flowers. how many tulips should he plant?

Answer 1

Let x = the number of tulips

Let y = the number of roses

 

Using these variables, we can set up equations that represent the total number of flowers and the ratio between the different types of flowers.

 

x + y = 63   ---->    total

 

x / y = 5 / 2   ----> ratio

 

2x = 5y

 

2x - 5y = 0

 

 

We have two equations to work with.

 

x + y = 63               eq1

 

2x - 5y = 0              eq2

 

 

 

Multiply eq1 by 2.  Keep eq2.

 

2x + 2y = 126            eq1

2x - 5y = 0                 eq2

 

 

Subtract eq2 from eq1 to eliminate the x terms.

 

7y = 126

 

  y = 18

 

This is the number of roses he has to plant.

 

 

Substitute the value of y into eq1 to solve for x.

 

x = 63 - 18

x = 45

 

 

He has to plant 45 tulips and 18 roses.

 

These add up to a total of 63 flowers.  Now we divide 45 by 18 to check if we get the ratio 5/2.

 

45 / 18 = 5 / 2

 

 

This all checks out!