Question

the ratio of dogs to cats at an animal shelter is 4:3. there are 40 more dogs than cats in this shelter. how many of each animal is in this shelter?
answer
____ dogs and ____ cats

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let the number of dogs be \(4x\) and the number of cats be \(3x\) (since the ratio of dogs to cats is \(4:3\)).

Step2: Set up equation

We know there are 40 more dogs than cats, so \(4x - 3x = 40\).

Step3: Solve for \(x\)

Simplifying the equation: \(x = 40\).

Step4: Find number of dogs and cats

Number of dogs: \(4x = 4\times40 = 160\).
Number of cats: \(3x = 3\times40 = 120\).

Answer:

160 dogs and 120 cats