Question

25 karen has two dogs. the larger dog weighs 1.4 pounds more than the smaller dog. the combined weight of the two dogs is 12.6 pounds. what is the weight, in pounds, of the smaller dog?

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let the weight of the smaller dog be $x$ pounds. Then the weight of the larger dog is $x + 1.4$ pounds.

Step2: Set up the equation

The combined weight of the two dogs is $12.6$ pounds, so we have the equation $x+(x + 1.4)=12.6$.

Step3: Simplify and solve the equation

Simplify the left side: $2x+1.4 = 12.6$.
Subtract $1.4$ from both sides: $2x=12.6 - 1.4=11.2$.
Divide both sides by $2$: $x=\frac{11.2}{2}=5.6$.

Answer:

The weight of the smaller dog is $5.6$ pounds.