Question

paul and jacklyn are on a swim team.

• paul has completed 140 laps so far this season. he completes an additional 12 laps during each practice.
• jacklyn has completed 56 laps so far this season. she completes an additional 16 laps during each practice.

paul and jacklyn each attend the same number of practices. after how many more practices will paul and jacklyn have completed the same number of laps?
1 3
2 7
3 21
4 49

Explanation:

Step1: Define variable for practices

Let $x$ = number of additional practices.

Step2: Set up lap count equations

Paul's total laps: $140 + 12x$
Jacklyn's total laps: $56 + 16x$

Step3: Equate the two expressions

Set totals equal:
$$140 + 12x = 56 + 16x$$

Step4: Isolate the variable terms

Subtract $12x$ from both sides:
$$140 = 56 + 4x$$

Step5: Solve for $x$

Subtract 56, then divide by 4:
$$84 = 4x$$
$$x = \frac{84}{4} = 21$$

Answer:

1. 21