1. **Problem Statement:** Dirk's toy factory ships small and large radio-controlled helicopters in containers. Small helicopters weigh 3 pounds each with a container weight of 17 pounds. Large helicopters weigh 4 pounds each with a container weight of 16 pounds. Both containers have the same total shipping weight when fully packed. We need to find the total shipping weight and the number of helicopters in each container. 2. **Define variables:** Let $x$ be the number of helicopters in each container. 3. **Write the system of equations:** - Total weight of small helicopter container: $3x + 17$ - Total weight of large helicopter container: $4x + 16$ Since the total weights are equal: $$3x + 17 = 4x + 16$$ 4. **Solve the equation:** Subtract $3x$ from both sides: $$17 = x + 16$$ Subtract 16 from both sides: $$17 - 16 = x$$ $$x = 1$$ 5. **Find the total shipping weight:** Substitute $x=1$ into one of the total weight expressions: $$3(1) + 17 = 3 + 17 = 20$$ 6. **Answer:** The shipping weight of a full container of either size will be **20 pounds** if it holds **1 helicopter**. This means each container holds 1 helicopter, and the total shipping weight is 20 pounds.