Help with Solving a Difficult Equation for Candybar Distribution

  • Thread starter Heidegger
  • Start date
In summary, when someone has taken only of the good candy bars there are 8/10 of the good candy bars left in the box.
  • #1
Heidegger
7
0
I'm having some problems with this equation and would like some help to get further to the solution.

Homework Statement

A box of chocolate candybars contains 9/10 good candybars.
When someone has taken only of the good candybars
there are 8/10 of the good candybars left in the box.

How much is then left?


The Attempt at a Solution

x = number of candybars in the box

y = number of good candybars in the box [itex] y=\frac{9}{10}\cdot x[/itex]
 
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  • #2
Is there a word missing?

"When someone has taken only ? of ..."

Does 9/10 mean 90% are good?
 
  • #3
NascentOxygen said:
Is there a word missing?

no
NascentOxygen said:
Does 9/10 mean 90% are good?


yes
 
  • #4
x = initial number of candybars in the box

y = initial number of good candybars in the box

y=0.9 x

now, remove g good candybars
and this leaves you with x-g candybars in the box

of these, you know that y-g are good.

continue
 
  • #5
NascentOxygen said:
x = initial number of candybars in the box

y = initial number of good candybars in the box

y=0.9 x

now, remove g good candybars
and this leaves you with x-g candybars in the box

of these, you know that y-g are good.

continue

I don't understand
 
  • #6
Heidegger said:
When someone has taken only of the good candybars
there are 8/10 of the good candybars left in the box.

This isn't a sentence. Either there's a word missing or the problem's copied wrong (or miswritten).
 
  • #7
gb7nash said:
This isn't a sentence. Either there's a word missing or the problem's copied wrong (or miswritten).

Mistranslated from a european language. Could you explain why and write how you think the correct sentence should be written
 
  • #8
Heidegger said:
Mistranslated from a european language. Could you explain why and write how you think the correct sentence should be written

There's no way to tell. One guess would be:

When someone has taken one of the good candybars there are 8/10 of the good candybars left in the box.

Another could be:

When someone has taken only 10 of the good candybars there are 8/10 of the good candybars left in the box.

These are just guesses though. You need to get a proper translation.
 
  • #9
If there are no missing words then I think "only" is a mistranslation of "one". Which makes it a pretty easy question. :smile:
 
  • #10
Heidegger said:
Mistranslated from a european language. Could you explain why and write how you think the correct sentence should be written

First, apologies if the response to your writing seems to have been a bit abrupt. Don't let that put you off posting more questions. I guess that English is not your first language.

By itself, the sentence isn't, in fact, wrong; a better description word would be that today it seems "awkward". It is unusual in contemporary writing, but would fit perfectly into last century's style of English writing.

Instead of "taken only of the" we might today write "eaten some".

Is there more detail to the question?

I am anticipating this to be an algebraic puzzle demanding an integer answer.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
This question was posted on another board with the person taking one of the good candy bars as gb7nash suggested. However, the answer comes out in fractional candy bars which doesn't seem reasonable.
 
  • #12
Well I didn't like this question right from the start, anyway.

Whoever heard of a candybar that isn't good?! :smile:
 

1. How do I solve a difficult equation for candybar distribution?

To solve a difficult equation for candybar distribution, you will need to use mathematical principles such as algebra and calculus. You will also need to understand the variables involved in the equation and how they relate to each other.

2. What are the steps to solve a difficult equation for candybar distribution?

The steps to solve a difficult equation for candybar distribution may vary depending on the specific equation. However, some general steps include identifying the variables, simplifying the equation, applying mathematical principles, and finally, solving for the desired variable.

3. Can you provide an example of a difficult equation for candybar distribution?

An example of a difficult equation for candybar distribution could be: 2x + 3y = 60. This equation represents the distribution of two different types of candybars, with x representing one type and y representing the other. The total number of candybars distributed is 60.

4. What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving a difficult equation for candybar distribution?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving a difficult equation for candybar distribution include incorrectly identifying variables, not simplifying the equation correctly, and making errors in calculations. It is important to double-check your work and be mindful of any potential mistakes.

5. Are there any resources or tools that can help with solving difficult equations for candybar distribution?

Yes, there are various resources and tools available to help with solving difficult equations for candybar distribution. These include online equation solvers, math tutoring services, and textbooks or guides on mathematical principles. It is also helpful to seek guidance from a math teacher or tutor for personalized assistance.

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