algebra word problems

Question

A box had twice as many grapes as a basket. Once 2 kilograms of grapes were added to the basket, it contained 0.5 kg more than the box. How many kilograms of grapes are in the basket now?

Answer 1

Everything in this problem can be built off of the kilograms of grapes originally in the basket, b_o

 

kilograms of grapes originally in basket = b_o

kilograms of grapes in box: 2b_o

 

We know that once 2 kg are added to the basket, the basket has 0.5 kg more than the box (which still has 2b_o).  We can express this mathematically as:

 

b_o + 2 = 2b_o+0.5

 

This equation can be used to solve for b_o, the kilograms of grapes originally in the basket.  Adding 2 kg to this gives the kilograms of grapes in the basket now.

 

Hope this helps!  I am available for tutoring appointments in the Lowell-Nashua area as needed.

Answer 2

Answer provided below.