Percent of Increase and Decrease

Question

One box of cereal contains 25% more cereal than another box. Together, the cereal in both boxes weigh 54 ounces. How much does the cereal in each box weigh? Solve with the aid of a picture. 

Answer 1

Let x = number of ounces of cereal in the smaller box

 

Then, x + 0.25x = 1.25x = number of ounces of cereal in the larger box

 

x + 1.25x = 54

 

      2.25x = 54    x = 24 oz

 

There are 24 oz in the small box and 30 oz in the large box.