Question

1. in a tug of war, 5 donkeys are exactly equal to 2 elephants. in another tug of war, 3 elephants are equal to 1 car. which team should win if a car and 3 donkeys are matched against 4 elephants?

answer:
images of donkeys vs elephants and elephants vs car

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let \( d \) represent the strength of a donkey, \( e \) represent the strength of an elephant, and \( c \) represent the strength of a car.
From the first tug of war: \( 5d = 2e \), so \( d=\frac{2}{5}e \).
From the second tug of war: \( 3e = c \), so \( c = 3e \).

Step2: Calculate the strength of the first team (car + 3 donkeys)

The strength of the first team is \( c + 3d \). Substitute \( d=\frac{2}{5}e \) and \( c = 3e \) into it:
\( c + 3d=3e+3\times\frac{2}{5}e \)
\( =3e+\frac{6}{5}e \)
\( =\frac{15}{5}e+\frac{6}{5}e \)
\( =\frac{21}{5}e = 4.2e \)

Step3: Compare with the second team (4 elephants)

The strength of the second team is \( 4e \).
Since \( 4.2e>4e \), the team with a car and 3 donkeys has greater strength.

Answer:

The team with a car and 3 donkeys should win.