To solve this problem, we'll follow a step-by-step approach:
1. Define the Variables:
- Let the mass of Ayub's chair be [tex]\( c \)[/tex] kilograms.
- According to the problem, the mass of Ayub's desk is three times the mass of the chair. Therefore, the mass of the desk would be [tex]\( 3c \)[/tex] kilograms.
2. Set Up the Equation:
- The total mass of the desk and the chair is given as 24 kilograms. Therefore, we can set up the equation:
[tex]\[
c + 3c = 24
\][/tex]
3. Combine Like Terms:
- Combine [tex]\( c \)[/tex] and [tex]\( 3c \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
4c = 24
\][/tex]
4. Solve for [tex]\( c \)[/tex]:
- Divide both sides of the equation by 4 to isolate [tex]\( c \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
c = \frac{24}{4}
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
c = 6
\][/tex]
- Hence, the mass of the chair is [tex]\( 6 \)[/tex] kilograms.
5. Determine the Mass of the Desk:
- Since the mass of the desk is three times the mass of the chair, we can now find the mass of the desk:
[tex]\[
\text{Mass of the desk} = 3c = 3 \times 6 = 18 \text{ kilograms}
\][/tex]
6. Conclusion:
- The mass of Ayub's desk is [tex]\( 18 \)[/tex] kilograms.
By following these steps, we have determined that the mass of Ayub's desk is 18 kilograms.
