Final answer:
To represent the situation, we can use the equation x + (3x - 4) + (x - 6) = 40. Solving this equation, we find that there are 10 small marbles in the bag.
Step-by-step explanation:
To represent the situation, we can use the following equations:
Let x = number of small marbles
Number of medium marbles = 3x - 4
Number of large marbles = x - 6
Total number of marbles = 40
Therefore, the equation is: x + (3x - 4) + (x - 6) = 40
Simplifying the equation, we get: 5x - 10 = 40
Adding 10 to both sides, we get: 5x = 50
Dividing by 5, we get: x = 10
So, there are 10 small marbles in the bag.