Question

Paul and Tom both commute to work. Paul's commute on the train takes 15 minutes more than one third as many minutes as Tom's commute by car. It takes Paul 45 minutes to get to work. Write an equation to determine how many minutes it takes Tom to get to work.

45 = one thirdx − 15
45 = one thirdx + 15
45 = 3x − 15
45 = 3x + 15

Answer 1

Answer: 45 = (one third)x + 15

Explanation:

Answer 2

45 = (one third)x + 15

Explanation:

If x represents the number of minutes Tom commutes, then (1/3)x is "one-third as many minutes as Tom's commute." 15 minutes more than that is ...

(1/3)x + 15

We are told this is the length of Paul's commute, and that it is 45 minutes. So, the appropriate equation is ...

45 = (1/3)x +15