Question 583042
j=john b=ben m=mary
{{{j=(1/3)b}}}
{{{m=(1/2)b}}}
{{{j+m+b=55}}}
substitute the j and m and solve for ben
{{{(1/3)b+(1/2)b+b=55}}} find a common denom number to knock out the fractions (6) is divisable by 3, 2, and 1 so cross canceling will eliminate the fractions
{{{b/3+b/2+b=55}}} multiply everything by 6
{{{2b+3b+6b=330}}}
{{{11b=330}}}
{{{b=30}}}
substitute in b for the other two equations
{{{j=10}}}
{{{m=15}}}
.
check
j+m+b=55
10+15+30=55
55=55
correct