Question 596194
Hi, there--
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Let g be the number of girls in the class.
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"two less than three times the number of girls" translate to the algebraic expression "3g-2".
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The total number of girls and boys is 18, so we write that as an equation.
{{{g+3g-2=18}}}
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Now we combine like terms and solve for g.
{{{4g-2=18}}}
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Add 2 to both sides of the equation.
{{{4g=20}}}
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Divide both sides by 4.
{{{g=5}}}
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According to the algebra, there are 5 girls (g=5). Since there are 3g-2 boys, there are 3(5)-2)=13 boys.
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CHECK:
Are there 18 students in the class? 5+13=18...YES!
Is the number of boys two less than three times the number of girls? Three times five is fifteen; two less than fifteen is thirteen...YES!
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That's it. Feel free to email if you still have Qs about this.
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Ms.Figgy
math.in.the.vortex@gmail.com