Maximum weight capacity of the elevator

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 128 views

Introduction

In this problem, we are given the maximum weight capacity of an elevator, which is 1600 pounds. We also know the weight of each box, which is 40 pounds, and the weight of a person, which is 145 pounds. The goal is to write an inequality that can be used to determine the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator.

Understanding the Problem

Let's break down the problem and understand the variables involved:

Maximum weight capacity of the elevator: 1600 pounds
Weight of each box: 40 pounds
Weight of a person: 145 pounds
Number of boxes: We want to find the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator.

Writing the Inequality

To write the inequality, we need to consider the total weight of the boxes and the person. The total weight should not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the elevator. Let's denote the number of boxes as x. The total weight of the boxes is 40x pounds, and the total weight of the person is 145 pounds. The inequality can be written as:

40x + 145 ≤ 1600

Simplifying the Inequality

To simplify the inequality, we can subtract 145 from both sides:

40x ≤ 1455

Dividing by 40

To isolate x, we can divide both sides by 40:

x ≤ 36.375

Rounding Down

Since we cannot have a fraction of a box, we need to round down to the nearest whole number. Therefore, the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator is 36.

Conclusion

In this problem, we wrote an inequality to determine the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator. We considered the maximum weight capacity of the elevator, the weight of each box, and the weight of a person. By simplifying the inequality, we found that the maximum number of boxes is 36.

Real-World Applications

This problem has real-world applications in various industries, such as:

Logistics and supply chain management: Companies need to optimize the number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator to ensure efficient transportation and storage.
Construction and building management: Builders and property managers need to calculate the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator to ensure safe and efficient movement of materials.
Warehouse and inventory management: Warehouse managers need to optimize the number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator to ensure efficient storage and retrieval of inventory.

Tips and Variations

Variable weight capacity: What if the weight capacity of the elevator varies depending on the location or the type of boxes being moved?
Variable box weight: What if the weight of each box varies depending on the type of item being stored or transported?
Multiple people: What if there are multiple people in the elevator, and their combined weight affects the maximum number of boxes that can be placed?

By considering these variations, we can develop more complex and realistic models to solve real-world problems.

Mathematical Concepts

This problem involves the following mathematical concepts:

Inequalities: We used an inequality to represent the relationship between the total weight of the boxes and the person, and the maximum weight capacity of the elevator.
Linear equations: We simplified the inequality by subtracting 145 from both sides and dividing by 40.
Rounding: We rounded down to the nearest whole number to find the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator.

Q&A: Maximizing the Number of Boxes in an Elevator

Q: What is the maximum weight capacity of the elevator?

A: The maximum weight capacity of the elevator is 1600 pounds.

Q: What is the weight of each box?

A: The weight of each box is 40 pounds.

Q: What is the weight of a person?

A: The weight of a person is 145 pounds.

Q: How do I write an inequality to determine the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator?

A: To write the inequality, you need to consider the total weight of the boxes and the person. The total weight should not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the elevator. Let's denote the number of boxes as x. The total weight of the boxes is 40x pounds, and the total weight of the person is 145 pounds. The inequality can be written as:

40x + 145 ≤ 1600

Q: How do I simplify the inequality?

A: To simplify the inequality, you can subtract 145 from both sides:

40x ≤ 1455

Q: How do I isolate x?

A: To isolate x, you can divide both sides by 40:

x ≤ 36.375

Q: Why do I need to round down to the nearest whole number?

A: Since you cannot have a fraction of a box, you need to round down to the nearest whole number. Therefore, the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator is 36.

Q: What are some real-world applications of this problem?

A: This problem has real-world applications in various industries, such as:

Logistics and supply chain management: Companies need to optimize the number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator to ensure efficient transportation and storage.
Construction and building management: Builders and property managers need to calculate the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator to ensure safe and efficient movement of materials.
Warehouse and inventory management: Warehouse managers need to optimize the number of boxes that can be placed in an elevator to ensure efficient storage and retrieval of inventory.

Q: What if the weight capacity of the elevator varies depending on the location or the type of boxes being moved?

A: If the weight capacity of the elevator varies depending on the location or the type of boxes being moved, you would need to adjust the inequality accordingly. For example, if the weight capacity is 1800 pounds in one location and 1600 pounds in another, you would need to use different inequalities for each location.

Q: What if the weight of each box varies depending on the type of item being stored or transported?

A: If the weight of each box varies depending on the type of item being stored or transported, you would need to adjust the inequality accordingly. For example, if the weight of each box is 30 pounds for one type of item and 50 pounds for another, you would need to use different inequalities for each type of item.

Q: What if there are multiple people in the elevator, and their combined weight affects the maximum number of boxes that can be placed?

A: If there are multiple people in the elevator, and their combined weight affects the maximum number of boxes that can be placed, you would need to adjust the inequality accordingly. For example, if there are two people in the elevator, each weighing 145 pounds, you would need to add 290 pounds to the total weight of the boxes.

Q: What mathematical concepts are involved in solving this problem?

A: This problem involves the following mathematical concepts:

Inequalities: We used an inequality to represent the relationship between the total weight of the boxes and the person, and the maximum weight capacity of the elevator.
Linear equations: We simplified the inequality by subtracting 145 from both sides and dividing by 40.
Rounding: We rounded down to the nearest whole number to find the maximum number of boxes that can be placed in the elevator.

By applying these mathematical concepts, we can solve a wide range of problems in various fields.