Question

A midwestern music competition awarded 32 ribbons. The number of blue ribbons awarded was 1 less than the number of white ribbons. The number of red ribbonswas 3 more than the number of white ribbons. How many white ribbons were awarded?

Answer 1

Let b be the number of blue ribbons and r be the number of red ribbon and w be the number of white ribbons

b= w - 1

r = w + 3

But,

b + w + r = 32

substitute b= w- 1 and r = w+ 3 into the equation

w- 1 + w + w+ 3 = 32

Re-arrange

w + w + w - 1 + 3 = 32

3w + 2 = 32

Subtract 2 from both-side of the equation

3w = 32 - 2

3w = 30

Divide both-side of the equation by 3

w = 10

Hence, there are 10 numbers of white ribbons