Question

Is it possible to place 59 cans into three boxes so that the third box has 9 more cans than the first box and the second box has 4 less cans than the third box?

Answer 1

Answer: YES!

Explanation:

First Box: x

Second Box: (x + 9) - 4 = x + 5

Third Box: x + 9

Total: 59

First Box + Second Box + Third Box = Total

x + x + 5 x + 9 = 59

3x + 14 = 59

-14 -14

3x = 45

÷3 ÷3

x = 15

Since 15 is a whole number (not a fraction), then it is possible.