word problem need formula

Question

If the weight of a package is multiplied by 5/7 the result is 40.5 pounds.  Find the weight of the package.

Answer 1

Or you can write it as a proportion:

 

 5       40.5

--- =  ------

 7         x

 

Cross multiply and then divide to find x or the total weight of the package.

Answer 2

Break the word problem down into its components:

 

The weight of a package (w) is multiplied by (times) 5/7 and the result (=) 40.5 pounds.

 

w times 5/7 = 40.5

 

(w)(5/7) = 40.5

 

5w/7 = 40.5

 

Multiply both sides by 7

 

5w = 283.5

 

Divide both sides by 5

 

w = 56.7

 

So the weight of the package is 56.7 pounds.

Answer 3

No formula exists.

w represents the starting weight

(5/7)w = 40.5

5w = 283.5           multiply both sides by 7

w = 56.7              divide both sides by 5