3 containers and 2 pails can hold 28.2 litres of water.
1 container and 1 pail can hold 9.8 litres of water.

1. How many litres of water can 1 container hold?
2. How many litres of water can 1 pail hold?
3. How many litres of water can 8 pails hold?
4. How many litres of water can 9 pails and 3 containers?

(a)
3 containers + 2 pails = 28.2 --- (1)
1 container + 1 pail = 9.8 --- (2)

(2) x 2
1 container + 1 pail = 9.8
2 containers + 2 pails = 9.8 x 2
2 containers + 2 pails = 19.6 --- (3)

(1) - (3)
(3 containers + 2 pails) - (2 containers + 2 pails) = 28.2 - 19.6
3 containers + 2 pails - 2 containers - 2 pails = 8.6
3 containers - 2 containers + 2 pails - 2 pails = 8.6

1 container = 8.6

Volume of 1 container = 8.6 ℓ

(b)
Substitute 1 container = 8.6 into (2).
1 container + 1 pail = 9.8
8.6 + 1 pail = 9.8

1 pail = 9.8 - 8.6 = 1.2

Volume of 1 pail = 1.2 ℓ

(c)
Volume of 8 pails
= 8 x 1.2
= 9.6 ℓ

(d)
Volume of 9 pails and 3 containers
= 9 x 1.2 + 3 x 8.6
= 10.8 + 25.8
= 36.6 ℓ

Answer(s): (a) 8.6 ℓ; (b) 1.2 ℓ; (c) 9.6 ℓ; (d) 36.6 ℓ