A small, medium, and large sized chicken were weighing themselves on a scale. The large and medium chicken steppedon the scale together with a total weight of 30 lbs. The large and small chicken had a total weight of 25 lbs. The small and medium chickens had a total weight of 13 lbs. What will the scale read when all three step on together? How much does each chicken weigh? Explain how you found your answer.

Question

A small, medium, and large sized chicken were weighing themselves on a scale.  The large and medium chicken steppedon the scale together with a total weight of 30 lbs. The large and small chicken had a total weight of 25 lbs. The small and medium chickens had a total weight of 13 lbs.  What will the scale read when all three step on together? How much does each chicken weigh? Explain how you found your answer.

bobpursley · Answer

L+M=30
L+S=25
S+M=13

These are big chickens. Why didn't they weigh one at a time? I know, they were chicken.

subtract the second equation from the first:
M-S=5
now add the third equation
2M=18
M=9
you take it from there