Question

the area of a certain desert (desert 1) is nine times the area of another desert (desert 2). if the sum of their areas is 20,000,000 square miles, find the area of each desert. what is the area of desert 1? square miles

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let the area of Desert 2 be \( x \) square miles. Then the area of Desert 1 is \( 9x \) square miles.

Step2: Set up the equation

The sum of their areas is 20,000,000 square miles, so \( x + 9x = 20000000 \).

Step3: Solve the equation

Combine like terms: \( 10x = 20000000 \). Divide both sides by 10: \( x=\frac{20000000}{10}=2000000 \).

Step4: Find the area of Desert 1

Since the area of Desert 1 is \( 9x \), substitute \( x = 2000000 \): \( 9\times2000000 = 18000000 \).

Answer:

The area of Desert 1 is 18000000 square miles.