word problems

Question

A small can of an energy drink contains 9 more calories than 2 times the number of calories in a shot of the same energy drink. If a small can and a shot contain a total of 96 ?calories, how many calories are in each? drink?

Answer 1

Hello Juanita,

 

The trick with word problems is finding the vital information. The question asks how many calories are in each drink (meaning in the small can and in a shot). Since we have two unknowns, we know that we need two equations. 

 

We look at the first sentence for the first equation. Let's call calories in the small can c and in the shot s. 

 

Equation 1: c= 9 + 2s

 

Now, let's look at the second sentence for the second equation.

 

Equation 2: c + s =96

 

If we substitute Equation 1 into Equation 2, we get the following:

 

(9+2s) +s= 96

 

We now have one equation and one unknown, so we can solve for s. 

 

Once you have s, you can use either Equation 1 or Equation 2 to find c. Either one will result in the same answer; give it a try and let me know if you need further clarification on anything.

 

Amira

Answer 2

Let's say the shot has x calories

Then the small can will have 9 + 2x calories

 

we are told that the total calorie content of the 2 drinks is 96

 

(9+2x) + x = 96

 

9 + 3x = 96

 

or, x = 29 cals

 

and 2x+9 = 67 cals

 

Therefore, the shot holds 29 cals and the small can holds 67 cals