Answer:
70 packages of 8 pounds each
Step-by-step explanation:
A mail clerk discovered that 155 packages had a total weight of 815 pounds.
The packages weighed either 3 pounds or 8 pounds each.
Let x represent the number of 3-pound packages and y represent the number of 8-pound packages.
The equation for total packages is 155:
So, x + y = 155 ------(1)
The equation for total weight of the packages is:
3-pound packages total weight = 3x
8-pound packages total weight = 8y
The total weight of all packages = 815:
3x + 8y = 815 -----------(2)
Now solve equations (1) and (2).
Multiply the first equation by -3:
-3x - 3y = -465
Combine with 3x + 8y = 815:
5y = 350.
y = 70
This means there are 70 packages that weigh 8 pounds each.