Two Step Equation Word Problem

Consider the following two step equation word problem.



Mr. Brown and his wife have a combined weight of 370 pounds. Mrs. Brown weighs 155 pounds less than twice her husband’s weight. How much does each of them weigh?

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Solution

If x stands for Mr. Brown’s weight, then 2x -155 stands for Mrs. Brown’s weight (because she weighs 155 pounds less than twice her husband’s weight).

We can now set up an equation in x:

x + (2x -155) = 370

3x – 155 = 370

Add 155 on both sides to isolate 3x.

3x = 525

Divide by 3 on both sides of the equation to find x.

x = 525/3

x = 175 pounds

In conclusion, Mr. Brown weighs 175 pounds

Mrs. Brown weighs 2(175) – 155 = 350-155 = 195 pounds

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