Question

A midwestern music competition awarded 41 ribbons. the number of blue ribbons awarded was 1 less than the number of white ribbons. the number of red ribbons was 3 more than the number of white ribbons. how many of each kind of ribbon was​ awarded?

Answer 1

To find the number of each ribbon awarded, you will represent each number in terms of how many white ribbons were awarded.

blue + white + red = 41

(w - 1) + w + (w + 3) = 41

3w + 2 = 41

-2 -2

3w = 39

3 3

w = 13

There were 13 white ribbons awarded, 12 blue ribbons, and 16 red ribbons.

13 + 12 + 16 = 41 total