From the condition, you have these two equations G + B = 40 (1) 5G - 4B = 65 (2) where G is the number of girls and B is the number of boys. From equation (1), express B = 40-G and substitute it into equation (2), replacing B there. You will get 5G - 4*(40-G) = 65 5G + 4G = 65 + 160 9G = 225 G = 225/9 = 25. ANSWER. 25 girls and the rest, 40-25 = 15 are boys.