In a zoo, the adult polar bear weighs three times more than the baby elephant. Together they weigh 700 kilograms. How much does the polar bear weigh.

Question

I'm having trouble with this.

Answer 1

Let A = adult bear

Let B = baby elephant

 

(1)  A + B = 700 kg

(2)  A = 3B

 

Solve (1) for A and substitute in (2)

A = 700 - B

700 - B = 3B

700 = 4B

B = 175 kg weight of baby elephant

A = 700 - 175 = 525 kg weight of adult bear

 

525 is 3 x 175 and added together they equal 700 kg