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Lewis.
09-11-2010, 06:35 PM
Sounds silly and probably obvious but I need some help.. (Answering my friends math problem actually. She turned to me for advice but I couldn't help.. even though I'm getting A's and A*'s and she's on B/C level :L)

There are men and octopuses in a tank. In the tank there are a total of 11 heads and 52 legs. How many men and octopuses are there? And you have to find out using simultaneous equations.

It's been about a year and a half since we studied them, but I got up to here and then got stuck. Could someone please finish the workings and I'll probably get it then :)

X = Number of Men
Y = Number of Octopuses

X+Y=11
2X+8Y=52

...



Please help :L :hugesmile:

Locke.
09-11-2010, 06:36 PM
18.

That is the answer.

Vicky.
09-11-2010, 06:37 PM
y=6
x=5

Lewis.
09-11-2010, 06:38 PM
y=6
x=5

Thanks, but how did you get that answer?

Miss Ivy Balls
09-11-2010, 06:39 PM
How many legs does an octopussy have?

Vicky.
09-11-2010, 06:39 PM
Thanks, but how did you get that answer?

Well...

I worked out what numbers added together to make 11, and then tried doing the second sum :p

I dont know how to work algebra out right, always had a cheat way :laugh:

GypsyGoth
09-11-2010, 06:40 PM
http://oi54.tinypic.com/egzjh1.jpg

MeMyselfAndI
09-11-2010, 06:41 PM
omgz i did this today!!

X+Y=11 (equation 1)
2X+8Y=52 (equation 2)

X+Y=11 (x 2)
2X+2Y=22 (equation 3)

2X+2Y=22 (
2X+8Y = 52

(equation 2 - equation 3)
2X+8Y = 52 - 2X+2Y=22

6Y = 30 (divide by 6)
Y = 5

sorry had to use my book took awhile

and too find X u have to do what y is in the formula so

X+Y=11
(-5)
X = 6

so vicky is wrong as x = 6 and y = 5

Stacey.
09-11-2010, 06:42 PM
Omfg I've been doing things like this today D:

MeMyselfAndI
09-11-2010, 06:43 PM
Omfg I've been doing things like this today D:

SAME! lol

MeMyselfAndI
09-11-2010, 06:46 PM
leona lewis fans are the best at maths :love:

Vicky.
09-11-2010, 06:48 PM
so vicky is wrong as x = 6 and y = 5

Nice one :p

Was never much good at algebra. Never could work it out properly :laugh:

Angus
09-11-2010, 07:29 PM
Who needs algebra, when it's logical and obvious that there are 6 men and 5 octupuses?

Stacey.
09-11-2010, 07:30 PM
I really don't get why we have to learn algebra, I swear you don't use it unless you're gonna be a maths teacher or something. D:

Ramsay
09-11-2010, 07:31 PM
ahhh math
those were the days
ehh i dont have a clue i havent done alegbra in like 2 years

Iceman
09-11-2010, 07:37 PM
**** algebra, **** Math

Ninastar
09-11-2010, 07:49 PM
http://oi54.tinypic.com/egzjh1.jpg

I dont know how many times you've done that too me. you scare me every single time!!!! seriously :'(

LemonJam
09-11-2010, 08:09 PM
I really don't get why we have to learn algebra, I swear you don't use it unless you're gonna be a maths teacher or something. D:

Careers in Design/Engineering/Construction use it at some points I think.

Boothy
09-11-2010, 08:51 PM
Ugh. Glad I don't have to do maths any more.

GypsyGoth
09-11-2010, 09:08 PM
I dont know how many times you've done that too me. you scare me every single time!!!! seriously :'(

:laugh:

Sorry :hug: I was just answering Lewis' math question.