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LostInParadise's avatar

Can you solve this balance problem in two ways?

Asked by LostInParadise (32327points) June 14th, 2024

I came across a problem involving a balance scale and three different types of weight. There is a way of solving it in your head. There is also a way of solving the problem algebraically, which is straightforward but requires more effort.
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A balance scale is used for obects shaped like diamonds, clubs and spades. Two ways that the objects can be placed so that the scale balances are:

1 diamond and 3 spades on one side and 2 clubs on the other side.

2 spades and 3 diamonds on one side and 3 clubs on the other side.

If one side has 5 clubs and the other side has 5 spades, how many diamonds need to be added to the side with 5 spades in order to get the scale to balance?

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