A farmer ships apples in crates that weigh 5.5 lb each when empty. Each apple weighs 0.33 lb. The total weight of a crate filled with apples is 58.3 lb. Write a

Question

It needs an algebraic answer

Answer 1

the crate weighs 5.5 and each apple weighs 0.33 therefore --> 5.5 + 0.33a is the algebraic expression.  You know the totla weight, so you can set that expression equal to 58.3

 

5.5 + 0.33a = 58.3

 

Solve for a, but isolating a (subtract 5.5 from each side)

0.33a = 52.8

Divide both sides by 0.33 to solve for a

a = ___________