Two tanks must have a total capacity of 325 gallons. If one tank needs to be 5 times the size of the other, how many gallons should each tank hold? Round your answer to the nearest tenth.



Answer :

Let's break down the problem step by step:

1. Define Variables:
- Let the capacity of the smaller tank be [tex]\( x \)[/tex] gallons.
- Since the larger tank is 5 times the size of the smaller tank, its capacity will be [tex]\( 5x \)[/tex] gallons.

2. Set Up the Equation:
- The total capacity of both tanks is given as 325 gallons.
- Therefore, we can set up the equation:
[tex]\[ x + 5x = 325 \][/tex]
- Simplify the equation:
[tex]\[ 6x = 325 \][/tex]

3. Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- To find [tex]\( x \)[/tex], divide both sides of the equation by 6:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{325}{6} \][/tex]

4. Calculate [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
- Doing the division:
[tex]\[ x \approx 54.2 \][/tex]
- So, the capacity of the smaller tank is approximately 54.2 gallons.

5. Calculate the Capacity of the Larger Tank:
- Since the larger tank is 5 times the capacity of the smaller tank:
[tex]\[ 5x \approx 5 \times 54.2 = 271.0 \][/tex]

6. Round the Capacities:
- The capacities in gallons are already rounded to the nearest tenth.

Therefore, the smaller tank should hold approximately 54.2 gallons, and the larger tank should hold approximately 270.8 gallons.