word problems

Question

The Powell family and the Gonzalez family each used their sprinklers last summer. The Powell family's sprinkler was used for
15
hours. The Gonzalez family's sprinkler was used for
20
hours. There was a combined total output of
1075L
of water. What was the water output rate for each sprinkler if the sum of the two rates was
60L
per hour?

Answer 1

Let x = hourly rate of Powell's sprinkler

Then, 60 - x = hourly rate of Gonzalez' sprinkler

 

output of Powell's sprinkler = 15x

output for Gonzalez' sprinkler = 20(60 - x)

 

Total output = 1075

 

So, 15x + 20(60 - x) = 1075

 

    15x + 1200 - 20x = 1075

 

                             -5x = -125   

                                x = 25 and 60 - x = 35

 

The rate of Powell's sprinkler was 25L/hr and the rate of Gonzalez' sprinkler was 35L/hr.