c= number of crickets
g= number of grasshoppers= twice number of crickets= 2c
T= total number of both= 561
If you add the number of crickets and the number if grasshoppers, you'll get a total of 561.
c + g= T
c + g= 561
Now we also know that grasshoppers are 2c (twice the crickets). Substitute 2c for g in the equation to solve for c.
c + g= 561
c + 2c= 561
combine like terms
3c= 561
divide both sides by 3
c= 187 crickets
Substitute number of crickets back in equation to find g.
c + g= 561
187 + g= 561
subtract 187 from both sides
g= 374 grasshoppers
CHECK:
Since grasshoppers are twice the number of crickets, then multiplying the number of crickets by two should equal the number of grasshoppers.
187 * 2= 374
374= 374
ANSWER: 187 crickets and 374 grasshoppers
Hope this helps! :)