Let the weight of the pan be \( p \) ounces, and the weight of each egg be \( e \) ounces.
From the information given, we can set up the following equations:
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For the pan with four eggs: \[ p + 4e = 18 \]
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For the pan with eight eggs: \[ p + 8e = 24 \]
Now we can solve these equations. First, we can subtract the first equation from the second equation:
\[ (p + 8e) - (p + 4e) = 24 - 18 \] This simplifies to: \[ 4e = 6 \] Dividing both sides by 4 gives us: \[ e = \frac{6}{4} = 1.5 \text{ ounces (weight of each egg)} \]
Now we can substitute \( e \) back into one of the original equations to find \( p \). Using the first equation: \[ p + 4(1.5) = 18 \] Calculating \( 4(1.5) \): \[ 4 \cdot 1.5 = 6 \] Thus: \[ p + 6 = 18 \] Now, solving for \( p \): \[ p = 18 - 6 = 12 \text{ ounces} \]
Therefore, the weight of the pan is \(\boxed{12}\) ounces.