I don't understand word problems in algebra

Question

If a dredge could lift 50 tons more of sand per minute, it would take 10 minutes less time to lift 10,000 tons. How many tons can the dredge lift per minute?

 

Should I solve by going 

(X+10)-10=10,000

ir

10,000 (X+10)= x-10

Answer 1

Hmmm...  Well you have no "50" in your equations, so, I don't think that can be correct.

 

I know that 200 ton/min x 50 min = 10000ton

 

So, 250 ton/min x 40 min also = 10000

 

Alas, I'm not sure what the equations are.. Obviously you need to express one variable in terms of the other and then substitute.

 

First equation may be: x ton/min times y min = 10000 ton

 

Another equation could be: x ton + 50 ton times (ymin - 10 min) = 10000

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