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2009 Math Kangaroo

Problem 17

Problem 17 · 2009 Math Kangaroo Hard
Algebra & Patterns sum-constraintwork-backward

A white and a black pig weigh together 320 kg. The black pig weighs 32 kg more than the white one. How much does the white pig weigh?

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Answer: B — 144 kg
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Hint 1 of 2
If the pigs weighed the same, each would be 160 kg.
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Hint 2 of 2
The black pig is 32 kg heavier, so split that extra evenly.
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Approach: split the difference
  1. Together the pigs weigh 320 kg, so equal pigs would be 160 kg each.
  2. The black pig is 32 kg more than the white pig.
  3. Give half of 32 (which is 16) to the black and take 16 from the white: white = 160 − 16 = 144 kg.
  4. The white pig weighs 144 kg.
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