Help with system of equations: using profits

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a system of equations related to Keller Industries' profits, specifically focusing on how to formulate equations based on given profit increases and to determine the most efficient method for solving the system. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving related to systems of equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Participants express difficulty in formulating the equations needed to represent the profit increase scenario.
  • Some participants suggest that there will be two equations: one representing the absolute increase in profit ($20,000) and another representing the percentage increase (25%).
  • One participant proposes that this year's profit (T) can be expressed as last year's profit (L) plus the increase of $20,000.
  • Another participant indicates that T can also be represented as L multiplied by 1 plus the percentage change (25%).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that two equations are necessary to solve the problem, but there is uncertainty regarding the exact formulation of these equations and how to start the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity on how to express percentage increases and the initial steps required to set up the equations. Some assumptions about the definitions of profit and percentage increase may not be fully articulated.

notgoodatmath
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I've been having a difficult time with system of equations I was wondering if I could have some assistants with system of equations. Here's the question

Question: Keller industries' profits were up $ 20,000 this year over last year. This was an increase of 25%.

a. Let T represent the profit this year and L the profit from last year and write a system of equations that can be used to determine the profits.b. Which method would be most efficient to solve this system (addition method or substitution method)? Explain

c.Using your system to determine the profit for this year and last year.

Two pieces of information are given:
∙ This year's profit is $20000 more than last year's profit.
∙ The increase is 25%.
You should write both in equation form. Then you get a system of two equations with two variables, which you can solve.

But how do i write the equations?
I have a few thoughts.
 
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notgoodatmath said:
I've been having a difficult time with system of equations I was wondering if I could have some assistants with system of equations. Here's the question

Question: Keller industries' profits were up $ 20,000 this year over last year. This was an increase of 25%.

a. Let T represent the profit this year and L the profit from last year and write a system of equations that can be used to determine the profits.b. Which method would be most efficient to solve this system (addition method or substitution method)? Explain

c.Using your system to determine the profit for this year and last year.

Two pieces of information are given:
∙ This year's profit is $20000 more than last year's profit.
∙ The increase is 25%.
You should write both in equation form. Then you get a system of two equations with two variables, which you can solve.

But how do i write the equations?
I have a few thoughts.

What thoughts have you had? Do you know how to express percentage increases?
 
SuperSonic4 said:
What thoughts have you had? Do you know how to express percentage increases?

Not exactly because I'm not sure were exactly to start. I know theirs two equations on for one year with a 200,000 increase than last year which was 25% more. But I don't understand where to start the problem? Is their two equations?
 
notgoodatmath said:
Not exactly because I'm not sure were exactly to start. I know theirs two equations on for one year with a 200,000 increase than last year which was 25% more. But I don't understand where to start the problem? Is their two equations?

There will be two equations - Part A pretty much tells you it's needed: One will be the absolute increase (20,000) and the other will be the percentage increase (25%)

For the first equation: This year's profit (T) is going to be last year's profit (L) + any extra (20,000).

For the second equation: T will be L multiplied by 1+%change/100 (25%)
 

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