Thread: Word problem that looks so simple!

Hello!
Here is the word problem:
Three pails and 6 baskets contain 576 eggs. All the pails contain 1/3 as many eggs as all the baskets. How many eggs are there in each pail? In each basket?

I tried to figure this one out, but the answers don't fit. I am so horrible at word problems! Could someone explain how to solve this type of problem? I would be most appreciative.

Originally Posted by jesuslover

Hello!
Here is the word problem:
Three pails and 6 baskets contain 576 eggs. All the pails contain 1/3 as many eggs as all the baskets. How many eggs are there in each pail? In each basket?

I tried to figure this one out, but the answers don't fit. I am so horrible at word problems! Could someone explain how to solve this type of problem? I would be most appreciative.

A single basket contains eggs.
6 baskets contain eggs.

All 3 pails contain a third the number of eggs as all the baskets.
All 3 pails together contain eggs.

So each pail contains eggs.

Adding it all up we find we have eggs.




Therefore each basket contains 72 eggs and each pail contains 48 eggs.

So...(1/3)(6x) + 6x=576
2x + 6x=576
8x=576
x=72
72 eggs per basket
72(6)=432
432/3=144
144/3=48
48 eggs per pail
I see now! Thank-you! I remember getting 48 before, but, lol, not the 72. That was a big help! Thanks again!

Originally Posted by jesuslover

I see now! Thank-you! I remember getting 48 before, but, lol, not the 72. That was a big help! Thanks again!

You are welcome.

Hello, Jesuslover!

Another approach . . .

Three pails and 6 baskets contain 576 eggs.
All the pails contain 1/3 as many eggs as all the baskets.
How many eggs are there in each pail? In each basket?

Then: .

We are told that: .

. . .and that: .


Solve the system of equations.