Percent and weight question.

Question

One box of cereal contains 25% more than the other.Together they weigh 54 ounces. How much does the cereal weigh in each box? I don't know how to set this up??

Answer 1

First, identify the quantities involved

let S = weight of smaller box

let L = weight of larger box

 

Next, translate the words into equations relating these quantities:

(one box weighs more than the other)

L = S + .25*S

(together they weigh 54)

L + S = 54

 

Now, it's set up. Substitute the first value for L (S+.25S) into the second equation and solve for S. Then substitute that value for S into either equation and solve for L.