SOLUTION: Together Fred, Sam, and Joe have $31. Use a system of equations to find the amount of money that Joe has if sam has $3 less than Fred and Joe has $1 more than Fred and Sam combined

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Together Fred, Sam, and Joe have $31. Use a system of equations to find the amount of money that Joe has if sam has $3 less than Fred and Joe has $1 more than Fred and Sam combined      Log On


   

Question 598056: Together Fred, Sam, and Joe have $31. Use a system of equations to find the amount of money that Joe has if sam has $3 less than Fred and Joe has $1 more than Fred and Sam combined.
I need to know how you got the answer so please show the steps. Thanks!
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Write an equation for each statement:
:
Together Fred, Sam, and Joe have $31.
f + s + j = 31
:
Use a system of equations to find the amount of money that Joe has if sam has $3
less than Fred
s = f - 3
:
and Joe has $1 more than Fred and Sam combined.
j = f + s + 1
j - f - s = 1
Add the 1st equation to the above equation
j - f - s = 1
j + f + s = 31
--------------- adding eliminates f and s
2j = 32
j = 32/2
j = $16 is Joe's amt