Solve for x: Finding Apples per Tree in (90/x)(x+2)(20) = 3000

Linear Equations with Fractional Variables

Marcos has x+2 x+2 orchards. In each orchard, there are 20 trees and on each tree there are 90x \frac{90}{x} apples.

If Marcos has 3000 apples in total, then how many apples are there on each tree?

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Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Marcos has x+2 x+2 orchards. In each orchard, there are 20 trees and on each tree there are 90x \frac{90}{x} apples.

If Marcos has 3000 apples in total, then how many apples are there on each tree?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Set up the equation using given information.
  • Step 2: Simplify and solve the quadratic equation for x x .
  • Step 3: Calculate the apples per tree using the value of x x .

Now, let's solve the problem:

Step 1: Formulate the equation for the total number of apples:

The total number of apples is given by:

(x+2)×20×90x=3000 (x + 2) \times 20 \times \frac{90}{x} = 3000

Step 2: Simplify the equation:

Expand and rearrange:

20(x+2)90x=3000 20(x + 2)\frac{90}{x} = 3000

Calculate the expression:

20×(x+2)×90x=3000 \Rightarrow 20 \times (x + 2) \times \frac{90}{x} = 3000

Simplify to:

1800+3600x=3000 1800 + \frac{3600}{x} = 3000

Revise by multiplying through by x x to eliminate the fraction and solve for x x :

1800x+3600=3000x 1800x + 3600 = 3000x

Rearranging gives:

3000x1800x=3600 3000x - 1800x = 3600

1200x=3600 1200x = 3600

Solving for x x :

x=36001200=3 x = \frac{3600}{1200} = 3

Step 3: Calculate the apples per tree using x=3 x = 3 :

Apples per tree=90x=903=30 \text{Apples per tree} = \frac{90}{x} = \frac{90}{3} = 30

Therefore, each tree has 30\boxed{30} apples.

3

Final Answer

30

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Setup: Total = (number of orchards) × (trees per orchard) × (apples per tree)
  • Technique: Multiply through by x to eliminate fractions: 1800x+3600=3000x 1800x + 3600 = 3000x
  • Check: Verify with x=3 x = 3 : (5)(20)(30) = 3000 apples ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Not multiplying every term by x to clear fractions
    Don't leave the equation as 1800+3600x=3000 1800 + \frac{3600}{x} = 3000 = impossible to solve easily! This keeps the fraction and makes algebra messy. Always multiply every single term by x to get 1800x+3600=3000x 1800x + 3600 = 3000x .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve for x:

\( 2(4-x)=8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we have 90x \frac{90}{x} apples per tree instead of just a regular number?

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The expression 90x \frac{90}{x} means the number of apples per tree depends on x. As x changes, so does the number of apples per tree. This creates a relationship we can use to find the answer!

How do I know when to multiply by x to clear fractions?

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When you see a fraction with x in the denominator like 90x \frac{90}{x} , multiplying every term by x will eliminate that fraction and make the equation much easier to solve.

What does x+2 x + 2 orchards actually mean?

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If x=3 x = 3 , then Marcos has 3+2=5 3 + 2 = 5 orchards. The expression x+2 x + 2 just means "2 more orchards than the value of x."

Can I solve this problem a different way?

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Yes! You could also expand (x+2)×20×90x=3000 (x+2) \times 20 \times \frac{90}{x} = 3000 to get 1800(x+2)x=3000 \frac{1800(x+2)}{x} = 3000 , then cross-multiply. Both methods give the same answer.

Why is the answer 30 apples per tree and not just x = 3?

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The question asks for apples per tree, which is 90x \frac{90}{x} . We found x=3 x = 3 , so apples per tree = 903=30 \frac{90}{3} = 30 . Always read what the question is actually asking for!

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