SOLUTION: A midwestern music competition awarded 41 ribbons. There was 1 less blue ribbon awarded than white and 4 more red awarded than white. How many of each kind were awarded? I have att
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Question 376464: A midwestern music competition awarded 41 ribbons. There was 1 less blue ribbon awarded than white and 4 more red awarded than white. How many of each kind were awarded? I have attempted many times and can not figure this one out. Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! A midwestern music competition awarded 41 ribbons.
There was 1 less blue ribbon awarded than white and 4 more red awarded than white.
How many of each kind were awarded?
:
Write an equation for each statement:
:
"A midwestern music competition awarded 41 ribbons."
b + w + r = 41
:
"There was 1 less blue ribbon awarded than white"
b = w - 1
:
"and 4 more red awarded than white."
r = w + 4
:
Using the total ribbon equation, replace b and r
(w-1) + w + (w+4) = 41
3w + 3 = 41
3w = 41 - 3
3w = 38
w =
w = 12.67 white, but this can't be true, the solution has to be an integer
:
It's no wonder you are having trouble with this problem, there is a mistake in it.
:
If the total ribbons were 42 instead of 41, if would work just fine
3w = 42 - 3
3w = 39
w =
w = 13 white ribbons
and
13 - 1 = 12 blue ribbons
and
13 + 4 = 17 red ribbons, a total of 42
:
This is a good method with all these type of problems
