SOLUTION: In an experiment, mr. Jensen gave x+2 beans to each of his x-2 students. If the experiment requires 1596 beans, how many students are in his class?

Question 752991: In an experiment, mr. Jensen gave x+2 beans to each of his x-2 students. If the experiment requires 1596 beans, how many students are in his class?
Answer by DrBeeee(684) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The total number of beans required is the number of beans per student, (x+2), times the number of students, (x-2). This product is given by
(1) (x+2)*(x-2) = 1596 or
(2) x^2 - 4 = 1696 or
(3) x^2 = 1600 or
(4) x = sqrt(1600) or
(5) x = 40
Let's check this with (1).
Is ((40+2)*(40-2) = 1596)?
Is (42*38 = 1596)?
Is (1596 = 1596)? Yes
The number of students is given by
(6) (x-2) = 40 - 2 or
(7) 38
Answer: There are 38 students in his class.
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