Question

An elevator, when full, holds 20 children or 15 adults. If 12 children are on the elevator, how many adults can still get on? Use an algebraic equation to solve this problem.

Answer 1

Let x = # of children and y = # of adults. The sum of "fraction of capacity" must equal 1.
x/20 + y/15 = 1
12/20 + y/15 = 1
y/15 = 2/5
y = 30/5 = 6

Answer 2

It makes sense...Thank you DRWLS