Expert: Paul Klarreich - 11/28/2008

Question
An inlet pipe provides 4 gal/min more than a second pipe and 6 gal/min less than a third pipe. Together they supply 50 gal/min. How much does each provide?

Answer
Questioner:   Ginger
Category:  Advanced Math
Private:  Yes
 
Subject:  math word problem
Question:  An inlet pipe provides 4 gal/min more than a second pipe and 6 gal/min less than a third pipe. Together they supply 50 gal/min. How much does each provide?
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HI, Ginger,

Learn to use the words:

LET and THEN and AND and SO.

and then state (clearly) what your variable will represent:

Let  x = the rate of fill of the first pipe.
Then x - 4 = the rate of fill of the second.
And  x + 6 = the rate of fill of the third.
So  x + x - 4 + x + 6 = the total rate of fill of the pipes.

After that, you should have no difficulty.

P.S.

1. Don't mark 'Private' -- I change it anyway.
2. Problems like this belong in Basic Algebra.