a boat weighs 1500 lbs more than its motor and 1900 lbs more than its trailer. Together the boat and motor weigh five times as much as the trailer. How much does the boat weigh?

Question

Please explain or show how to set up the equation.

Answer 1

Wt. of motor = X lbs.
Wt. of boat = (X+1500) lbs.
Wt. of trailer=(X+1500)-1900=X-400lbs.

X + (X+1500) = 5(X-400),
2X + 1500 = 5X - 2000,
2X - 5X = -2000 - 1500,
-3X = -3500,

X = 1167 lbs = Wt. of motor.
X+1500 = 2667 lbs = Wt. of boat.

Answer 2

Wt. of motor = X lbs.
Wt. of boat = (X+1500) lbs.
Wt. of trailer=(X+1500)-1900=X-400lbs.

X + (X+1500) = 5(X-400),
2X + 1500 = 5X - 2000,
2X - 5X = -2000 - 1500,
-3X = -3500,

X = 1167 lbs = Wt. of motor.
X+1500 = 2667 lbs = Wt. of boat.