Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
We can set up a system of equations
There are 17 animals:
I will use C for chickens, M for cows
[tex]C + M = 17[/tex]
There are 50 legs in total. Chickens have two legs, cows have 4 legs, so
[tex]2C + 4M = 50[/tex]
We can solve for either C or M in the top equation and substitute it below. Either choice works.
[tex]C = 17 - M\\2(17-M) + 4M = 50\\34 - 2M + 4M = 50\\2M = 16\\M = 8\\\\M = 17-C\\2C + 4(17-C) = 50\\2C + 68 - 4C = 50\\-2C = -18\\C = 9[/tex]
There are 9 Chickens and 8 Cows.
