To solve this problem, let's define some variables:
- Let \( P \) be the weight of the pan.
- Let \( E \) be the weight of one egg.
We have two equations based on the information given:
-
For the pan with four eggs: \[ P + 4E = 18 \quad \text{(1)} \]
-
For the pan with eight eggs: \[ P + 8E = 24 \quad \text{(2)} \]
Now, we can solve these two equations simultaneously.
First, we can subtract equation (1) from equation (2): \[ (P + 8E) - (P + 4E) = 24 - 18 \] This simplifies to: \[ 4E = 6 \] Now, divide both sides by 4: \[ E = \frac{6}{4} = 1.5 \text{ ounces} \]
Now that we have the weight of one egg (\( E = 1.5 \) ounces), we can substitute this value back into equation (1) to find the weight of the pan (\( P \)): \[ P + 4(1.5) = 18 \] This simplifies to: \[ P + 6 = 18 \] Now, subtract 6 from both sides: \[ P = 12 \text{ ounces} \]
Thus, the weight of the pan is \( \boxed{12} \) ounces.