Answer:
Stephen weighs 80 lbs
Graham weighs 60 lbs
Step-by-step explanation:
Let Stephen the cat = S
Let Graham the cat = G
25% heavier = 125% = 125/100 = 1.25
50% heavier = 150% = 150/100 = 1.5
If both animals gained 20 lbs, S would be 25% heavier than G:
S + 20 = 1.25(G + 20)
⇒ S = 1.25(G + 20) - 20
⇒ S = 1.25G + 5
If both animals lost 20 lbs, S would be 50% heavier than G:
S - 20 = 1.5(G - 20)
⇒ S = 1.5(G - 20) + 20
⇒ S = 1.5G - 10
Equate both equations for S, and solve for G:
S = S
⇒ 1.25G + 5 = 1.5G - 10
⇒ -0.25G = -15
⇒ G = 60
Substitute found value for G into one of the equations for S and solve for S:
S = 1.5G - 10
⇒ S = 1.5 x 60 - 10
⇒ S = 90 - 10
⇒ S = 80
Stephen weighs 80 lbs
Graham weighs 60 lbs