College

Directions: Write and solve a system of equations to find the solution to each problem.

The sum of Teresa's and Cathy's weight is 118 pounds. Teresa weighs 26 pounds more than Cathy. If Teresa's weight is [tex]$T$[/tex] and Cathy's weight is [tex]$C$[/tex], which of these systems of equations best represents this relationship?

A)
[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{l}
T + C = 118 \\
T = 26
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

B)
[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{l}
T + C = 118 \\
T + 26 = C
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

C)
[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{l}
T + C = 64 \\
T - C = 26
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

D)
[tex]
\[
\begin{array}{l}
T = C + 118 \\
T = C + 26
\end{array}
\]
[/tex]

E) None of the above

Answer :

To solve this problem, we will set up a system of equations based on the information provided.

1. Identify Variables:
- Let [tex]\( T \)[/tex] be Teresa's weight.
- Let [tex]\( C \)[/tex] be Cathy's weight.

2. Set Up Equations:

- Equation 1: The sum of Teresa's and Cathy's weight is 118 pounds. This can be expressed as:
[tex]\[
T + C = 118
\][/tex]

- Equation 2: Teresa weighs 26 pounds more than Cathy. This can be expressed as:
[tex]\[
T = C + 26
\][/tex]

3. System of Equations:
- The system of equations is:
[tex]\[
\begin{align*}
T + C &= 118 \\
T &= C + 26
\end{align*}
\][/tex]

4. Solve the System of Equations:

- Substitute Equation 2 into Equation 1:
[tex]\[
(C + 26) + C = 118
\][/tex]

- Combine like terms:
[tex]\[
2C + 26 = 118
\][/tex]

- Subtract 26 from both sides:
[tex]\[
2C = 92
\][/tex]

- Divide both sides by 2 to solve for [tex]\( C \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
C = 46
\][/tex]

- Use the value of [tex]\( C \)[/tex] to find [tex]\( T \)[/tex] using Equation 2:
[tex]\[
T = 46 + 26
\][/tex]

- Simplify to find [tex]\( T \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
T = 72
\][/tex]

5. Conclusion:
- Cathy weighs 46 pounds.
- Teresa weighs 72 pounds.

Therefore, the correct system of equations that represents Teresa's and Cathy's weights is:
[tex]\[
\begin{align*}
T + C &= 118 \\
T &= C + 26
\end{align*}
\][/tex]

These correspond to the system in choice E, as none of the choices A, B, C, or D match exactly.