Simple 4th grade question I presume

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The discussion centers on solving for two masses, m1 and m2, given their ratio (m1/m2 = 0.7941) and their sum (m1 + m2 = 13 kg). The correct approach involves expressing one mass in terms of the other using the ratio, specifically m1 = 0.7941 * m2. This leads to a system of two equations with two unknowns, which can be solved by substituting one equation into the other. The method is essential for solving similar algebraic problems in mathematics.

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ph123
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Does anyone know (I know I should) how to find the value of two masses when you have:

the ratio of masses (m1/m2)

and

the sum of the masses (m1 + m2)

m1/m2 = 0.7941

m1+m2 = 13 kg

My first thought was m1/m2 * m1 + m2 = 10.3233 = m2

Clearly not right though as the ratio of m1 to that is not the ratio I found.
 
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From your ratio you can say m1=0.7941*m2.
 
You have 2 equations and 2 unknowns. Pick one equation and solve for one of the variables. Then plug this into the second equation so that you have everything in terms of the one variable. Then you can solve for it and plug into the original equation to find the second unknown. If youre in 4th grade, get used to this, because youll come across it a lot
 

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