SOLUTION: Jim, Tim and Kim have 67 marbles together. Tim has 6 more marbles than Jim and Kim has 8 more fewer marbles than Jim. How many marbles has Tim?

Translation:

J + T + K = 67

Translation:

T = J + 6

Translation:

K = J - 8

Substitute (J + 6) for T and (J - 8) for K in the equation:

J + T + K = 67

getting:

J + (J + 6) + (J - 8) = 67

Now remove the parentheses, collect like terms, solve for J,

then substitute the number you get for J in the equation:

T = J + 6

and solve.

Edwin