Question

On a balance scale, five spools and three thimble balance sixteen buttons. Also, three spools balance one thimble and four buttons. How many buttons will balance one thimble?

Answer 1

Answer:

2 buttons

Step-by-step explanation:

Let s = spool, t = thimble, b = button

5s + 3t = 16b

3s = 1t + 4b

5s + 3t = 16b

3s - t    = 4b

       -15s - 9t = -48b

(+)      15s - 5t = 20b

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               -14t = -28b

t = 2b

Answer: 2 buttons