Question 961661
Let {{{ n }}} = the number of employees
The number of pens when they are given 
{{{ 3 }}} pens each is: {{{ 3n - 1 }}}
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The number of pens when they are given
{{{ 2 }}} pens each is: {{{ 2n + 8 }}}
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It's the same number of pens each case, so
{{{ 3n - 1 = 2n + 8 }}}
{{{ n = 9 }}}
There are {{{ 9 }}} employees
The number of pens is:
{{{ 3n - 1 = 3*9 - 1 }}}
{{{ 3n - 1 = 26 }}}
There are 26 pens available
check:
{{{ 2n + 8 = 26 }}}
{{{ 2n = 18 }}}
{{{ n = 9 }}}
OK