What is the correct equation for pails over time in this algebra problem?

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The equation for the number of pails over time, starting with 4 pails and gaining 2 pails per trip, is proposed as y = 2x + 4. However, the provided options do not include this equation, leading to confusion. The only option that aligns with starting at 4 pails is y = x/2 + 4, but this interpretation requires that x represents elapsed time rather than the number of trips. Participants suggest that the question may contain a typographical error, as y = 2x + 4 seems the most logical. The consensus indicates that the question likely needs clarification or correction.
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Homework Statement


Start with 4 pails of water. Each trip, you gain 2 pails of water. What equation represents number of pails over time

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


y = 2x + 4 should be the correct answer.

But my options are
y=4x + 2
y=x/4 + 2
y=x/2 + 4
y=3x + 3

Why is it not 2x + 4?
 
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Chas3down said:

Homework Statement


Start with 4 pails of water. Each trip, you gain 2 pails of water. What equation represents number of pails over time


Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


y = 2x + 4 should be the correct answer.

But my options are
y=4x + 2
y=x/4 + 2
y=x/2 + 4
y=3x + 3

Why is it not 2x + 4?

The only option consistent with starting with 4 pails is y = x/2 + 4, which makes sense only if a trip takes 4 units of time and x represents elapsed time rather than number of trips. I would suggest rereading the question to see if you've missed something along those lines.
 
pasmith said:
The only option consistent with starting with 4 pails is y = x/2 + 4, which makes sense only if a trip takes 4 units of time and x represents elapsed time rather than number of trips. I would suggest rereading the question to see if you've missed something along those lines.

Here is the word for word question, the only information we get...

Jack and Jill had 4 pails of water. Each trip up the hill, jack and jill obtain 2 more buckets of water. Which equation represent pails over time?
Perhaps a type, because I noticed another type later in the homework as well.
 
Chas3down said:
Here is the word for word question, the only information we get...

Jack and Jill had 4 pails of water. Each trip up the hill, jack and jill obtain 2 more buckets of water. Which equation represent pails over time?

I agree that 2x + 4 is the only sensible answer, so the question must be wrong.
 

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