Middle School

Maria and Curtis both study a second language. Maria studies German for 3 hours per week, and Curtis studies French for 2 hours per week. Curtis has already studied for 4 hours when Maria begins her studying. After how many weeks will they have studied the same number of hours?

Answer :

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

We can start solving the problem by using the following equation:

Let x be the number of weeks they have studied.

Maria: 3x hours (since Maria studies 3 hours per week)

Curtis: 2x + 4 hours (since Curtis studies 2 hours per week and has already studied 4 hours)

Now we need to find the point in time when Maria's and Curtis's total number of hours studied is equal.

3x = 2x + 4

Subtracting x from both sides we get:

2x = 4

Dividing both sides by 2 we get:

x = 2

So after 2 weeks, Maria and Curtis will have studied the same number of hours.

Final answer:

The solution requires setting up an equation for the number of study hours for both Maria and Curtis, solving for the point where they are equal. After 4 weeks, they will have studied the same number of hours in their second languages.

Explanation:

The question asks to determine after how many weeks Maria and Curtis will have studied the same number of hours in their respective second languages, given Maria studies German 3 hours per week, and Curtis studies French 2 hours per week, with Curtis having a 4-hour head start.

To solve this, we set up an equation where their total study hours are equal. Maria's total hours after x weeks will be 3x, and Curtis's total hours will be 2x + 4.

To find the week when they have studied the same amount, we equate their hours:
3x = 2x + 4.

Solving for x, we subtract 2x from both sides:
x = 4.

Thus, after 4 weeks, they will have studied the same number of hours in their second languages.