Sample Word Problems

1. Of two numbers, 1/5th of the greater is equal to 1/3rd of the smaller

and their sum is 16. Find the numbers.
Solution
Let x and y be the required two numbers such that x > y.
(1/5)x = (1/3y)
3x = 5y
3x – 5y = 0 eqn. 1
x + y = 16 eqn. 2
Solving (1) and (2) simultaneously,
3x – 5y = 0 (1)
x + y = 16 (2) multiply (2) by 5
3x – 5y = 0
+ 5x + 5y = 80
8x = 80
x = 10
y = 16 – 10
y=6
So, the two numbers are 10 and 6.
2. A number between 10 and 100 is five times the sum of its digits. If 9
be added to it the digits are reversed. Find the number.
Solution
Let “xy” be the required number between 10 and 100.
xy = 5(x + y)
or 10x + y = 5x + 5y
5x – 4y = 0 eqn. 1
xy + 9 = yx
or 10x + y + 9 = 10y + x
9x – 9y = -9
x – y = -1 eqn. 2
Solving (1) and (2) simultaneously,
5x – 4y = 0 eqn. 1
x – y = -1 eqn. 2 multiply eqn. 2 by -5 to eliminate “x”.
5x – 4y = 0
+ -5x + 5y = 5
y=5
Solving for x,
x – (5) = -1
x = -1 + 5
x=4
So, the required number is 45.
3. A certain rectangle has a length of half a yard more than twice the
width. The perimeter of the rectangle is 55 yards. Find the width.
Solution
Given: L = 2W + ½
Perimeter = 55 yards
Required: width
P(rectangle) = 2L + 2W
55 = 2(2W + ½) + 2W
55 = 4W + 1 + 2W
55 – 1 = 6W
W = 54/6 = 9
Therefore, the width is 9 yards.
 4. How many gallons of 5% acid solution should be mixed with 20 gallons of a 10%
acid solution to obtain an 8% acid solution.
Solution
Prepare a table showing the given and unknown in the problem.
Volume of solution % of acid Amount of acid
5% acid x 5 0.05x
10% acid 20 10 0.10(20)
8% acid x + 20 8 0.08(x + 20)
0.05x + 0.10(20) = 0.08(x + 20)
0.05 + 2 = 0.08x + 1.6
0.03x = 0.4
x = 0.4/(0.03) or 40/3
Therefore, the amount of 5% acid solution to be mixed is 40/3 gallons.