Question 1149085
.
<pre>

Let x be the number of white ribbons.


Then the number of blue ribbon was  (x-2),  while the number of red ribbons was (x+3).


The total number equation


    x + (x-2) + (x+3) = 43.


Simplify and solve


    3x + 1 = 43

    3x     = 43 - 1 = 42

     x     = 42/3 = 14.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  14 white ribbons,  14-2 = 12 blue ribbons  and 14+3 = 17 red ribbons.


<U>CHECK</U>.  14 + 12 + 17 = 43.    ! Correct !
</pre>

Solved.