Solve Worded Simultaneous Equations: Tips & Examples

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving worded simultaneous equations, specifically a problem involving the purchase of nails and bolts. The total expenditure of $112 is divided between bolts costing $2 each and nails costing $1 each, with the condition that three times as many bolts as nails were purchased. The variables are defined as $B$ for bolts and $N$ for nails, leading to the equations: 2B + N = 112 and B = 3N. Solving these equations yields the quantities of nails and bolts purchased.

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Hello, I am going over past exam questions in preparation for exams and I am horrible at worded questions, can someone please give me some guidance in working out this equation? Or in general how to figure out how to solve worded simultaneous questions? Many thanks :)

You have spent \$112 on nails and bolts. Bolts cost \$2 and nails cost \$1. You bought 3
times as many bolts as nails. How many of each did you buy?
 
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Hello and welcome to MHB! (Wave)

I would first let $B$ be the number of bolts purchased and $N$ be the number of nails.

We know the amount spent on bolts plus the amount spent on nails totals 112 dollars. The number of bolts times the cost per bolt is the amount spent on bolts, and likewise the number of nails times the cost per nail is the amount spend on nails. Can you put this together to obtain an equation?
 

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