Question

Jason and jerry are competing at a weightlifting competition. They are both lifting barbells containing 200 pounds of plates. Jasons barbell has four large and 10 small plates on it Jerry's barbell has six large and five small plates on it. How much does each large play and each small plate weigh. (Use systems of equasions to solve)

Answer 1

4L + 10S = 200
6L + 5S = 200.....multiply by -2
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4L + 10S = 200
-12L - 10S = - 400 (result of multiplying by -2)
-----------------add
-8L = -200
L = -200/-8
L = 25

4L + 10S = 200
4(25) + 10S = 200
100 + 10S = 200
10S = 200 - 100
10S = 100
S = 100/10
S = 10

so the small plates (S) weigh 10 lbs and the large plates (L) weigh 25 lbs