CPM Homework Help : CCG Problem 5-117

Tehachapi High School has $839$ students and its population is increasing by $34$ students per year. Meanwhile, Fresno High School has $1644$ students and its population is decreasing by $81$ students per year. In how many years will the two high schools have the same number of students? Be sure to show all work.

Hint:

Define the variables. Write the equations for the populations of the schools over time in $y=mx+b$ form.

More Help:

The equation that represents the population of Tehachapi High School over time is $y=34x+839$ , because the growth is $34$ students $(m)$ and it started at $834$ students $(b)$ . Now write the equation for Fresno High.

Hint 2:

Once you have both equations you have a system of equations. So solve by using the Equal Values method.

Reminder:

Check your answer!

Answer:

$7$ years