<PRE><B>Question 434899</B>
Let C = the number of cats
Let D = the number of dogs
Let R = the number of rabbits
Given:
C + D + R = 35  (1)
D = R - 1
C = R + 3
Substitute the above expressions for D and C into equation (1):
(R+3) + (R-1) + R = 35
Solve for R:
3R + 2 = 35
R = 11
Therefore, the number of cats = R + 3 = 11 + 3 = 14
Ans: 14 cats</PRE>