Chap 6: Algebra Puzzle - Solving Equations (Preview) : MY answers !!

  

My Solution ( Method 1) 

• 3 pumpkins = 24 ,

• Therefore , 1 pumpkin will represent 8 . ( 24/3 = 8) 

2 umbrellas + 1 pumpkin = 12 

• Since 1 pumpkin represents 8,
• 12-8=4 -> (2 umbrellas + 1 pumpkin) - 1 pumpkin = 2 umbrellas
• 2 umbrellas represents 4. 
• Therefore , 1 umbrella represents 2 . ( 4/2 = 2)

2 starfishes + 1 pumpkin = 20

• Since 1 pumpkin represents 8 ,
• 20-8=12 -> (2 starfishes + 1 pumpkin) - 1 pumpkin = 2 starfishes 
• 2 starfishes represents 12
• Therefore 1 starfish represent 6. ( 12/2 = 6)

My Solution ( Method 2)

Let p represents pumpkin
Let u represents umbrella
Let s represents starfish

• 3p = 24 

•   p = 24/3 

• Therefore, p = 8

• Since 2p+u = 18 
• 2(8)+u = 18 
• 16+u = 18 
• u = 18-16 
• Therefore , u = 2

• Since p+2s = 20 
• 8+2s = 20
•     2s = 20-8 
•     2s = 12 
•       s = 12/2 
• Therefore, s = 6

In conclusion , each pumpkin represents 8, each umbrella represents 2 and each starfish represents 6.