Q. 57 - Precalculus Enhanced with Graphing Utilities

Question

In 2005 there was a total of 55 commercial

and noncommercial orbital launches worldwide. In addition, the number of noncommercial orbital launches was one more than twice the number of commercial orbital launches. Determine the number of commercial and noncommercial orbital launches in 2005.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The number of commercial satellites launched were 18 and the number of non-commercial satellites launched were 37 

Step 1: Given information

There are total 55 satellites are launched in the space

Step 2: Find the equation and solve them

Let number of commercial satellites launched be x

And number of non-commercial satellites launched be y

Total 55 satellites were launched

Hence 

$x+y=55 \left(1\right)$

Also  the number of noncommercial orbital launches was one more than twice the number of commercial orbital launches.

hence

$y=2x+1 \left(2\right)$

Substitute equation 2 in equation 1 we get,

$$\begin{gathered} x+y=55 \\ x+2x+1=55 \\ 3x=54 \\ x=18 \end{gathered}$$

Also

$$\begin{gathered} x+y=55 \\ y=55-18 \\ y=37 \end{gathered}$$

Step 3: Conclusion

hence the number of commercial stellites launched were 18 and the number of non-commercial satellites launched were 37