Gourmet sandwiches

Question

Jenny, Demi, and Joel by an 18in. long gourmet sandwich and take it back to their apartment. Since they have different appetites, Jenny cuts the sandwich so that Demi gets half of what Jenny gets and Joel gets three-fourths of what Jenny gets. Find the length of each person’s sandwich.

Answer 1

x = Jenny     y = Demi    z = Joel

 

Jenny, Demi, and Joel by an 18in.

x   +   y   +   z   =   18

 

Demi gets half of what Jenny gets

y = 0.5 x

 

Joel gets three-fourths of what Jenny gets

z = 0.75 x

 

Substitute for y and z in the original equation using the other two equation

x + y + z = 18

x + (0.5x) + (0.75x) = 18      now combine like terms

2.25x = 18                           divide both sides by 2.25

x = 8

 

Substitute x in the other two equations to find y & z

y = 0.5 x          z = 0.75 x

y = 0.5(8)        z = 0.75(8)

y = 4               z = 6

 

So

x = Jenny = 8

y = Demi = 4

z = Joel = 6

 

Don't forget to check it!

x + y + z = 18

8 + 4 + 6 = 18

   12 + 6  = 18   yes!