Question 1203379
<br>
With a little bit of analysis, the problem can be solved using a single variable....<br>
Let x = number Isaac gave away  [the number the question asks for]<br>
Then x-5 = number Isaac had left [he was left with 5 fewer than he gave away]<br>
And x+3 = number Leo gave away   [3 more than Isaac gave away]<br>
And finally, 95-(x+(x-5)+(x+3)) = 97-3x = number Leo had left [the total number was 95]<br>
Leo had left 2 more than Isaac:<br>
{{{97-3x=(x-5)+2}}}
{{{4x=100}}}
{{{x=25}}}<br>
ANSWER: Isaac gave away 25 balls<br>
Solving the problem using a system of 3 equations with 3 variables, as both of the other tutors did, is good algebra; however, the work required to actually solve the problem is very often much easier if you take some time to analyze the problem to find how to set it up using a single variable.<br>