4
algebra

A parking lot has motorcycles and cars. There are 35 vehicles total with 110 wheels. How many motorcycles are there? (Motorcycles have 2 wheels, cars have 4 wheels)

A

15 motorcycles

B

20 motorcycles

C

10 motorcycles

D

25 motorcycles

Correct Answer: C

Choice C is the correct answer. Let mm = motorcycles and cc = cars.

System: {m+c=352m+4c=110\begin{cases} m + c = 35 \\ 2m + 4c = 110 \end{cases}

Step 1: From first equation: m=35cm = 35 - c

Step 2: Substitute: 2(35c)+4c=1102(35 - c) + 4c = 110702c+4c=11070 - 2c + 4c = 1102c=402c = 40c=20c = 20

Step 3: Find mm: m=3520=15m = 35 - 20 = 15

  • 15 motorcycles + 20 cars = 35 vehicles ✓

  • Wheels: 2(15)+4(20)=30+80=1102(15) + 4(20) = 30 + 80 = 110

  • 10 motorcycles + 25 cars = 35 vehicles ✓

  • Wheels: 2(10)+4(25)=20+100=120 eq1102(10) + 4(25) = 20 + 100 = 120 \ eq 110

💡 Strategic Tip: Count vehicles for one equation, wheels for another.

Choice A is incorrect because 2(15)+4(20)=30+80=110 eq1202(15) + 4(20) = 30 + 80 = 110 \ eq 120.

Choice B is incorrect because 2(20)+4(15)=40+60=100 eq1202(20) + 4(15) = 40 + 60 = 100 \ eq 120.

Choice D is incorrect because 2(25)+4(10)=50+40=90 eq1202(25) + 4(10) = 50 + 40 = 90 \ eq 120.