Algebra · real student question

Solve for t: 250t = 100t + 3000.

Question

Solve for tt:

250t=100t+3000250t=100t+3000

Step-by-step solution

  1. Interpret the equation. One side grows at 250250 per unit of tt, the other at 100100 per unit but starting from a fixed 30003000. This is the standard break-even model — revenue against fixed cost plus variable cost — and tt is the point where they meet.

  2. Collect the t terms on one side. Subtract 100t100t from both sides:

    250t100t=3000250t-100t=3000

  3. Combine the like terms.

    150t=3000150t=3000

    The coefficient 150=250100150=250-100 is the rate difference; that is the quantity that eats into the fixed 30003000.

  4. Divide by 150.

    t=3000150=20t=\frac{3000}{150}=20

    The general form worth remembering is t=fixed amountrate differencet=\dfrac{\text{fixed amount}}{\text{rate difference}}.

  5. Verify in the original equation. Left: 250×20=5000250\times20=5000. Right: 100×20+3000=2000+3000=5000100\times20+3000=2000+3000=5000 ✓. Both sides equal 50005000 at t=20t=20, and for t>20t>20 the left side pulls ahead — which is what break-even means.

Answer

t=20t=20

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