Final answer:
To find the number of birds at the shelter on Thursday, solve the system of equations. The number of birds is 11.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of birds at the shelter on Thursday, we can set up a system of equations. Let's say x represents the number of birds and y represents the number of cats. From the given information, we know that the shelter spent $2.50x caring for birds and $4.00y caring for cats. We also know that the total amount spent on Thursday was $123.50. So we can write the equation: 2.50x + 4.00y = 123.50
We also know that the total number of birds and cats is 35. So we can write another equation: x + y = 35
We can solve this system of equations using substitution or elimination. Let's use elimination. Multiply the second equation by -2.50 to get: -2.50x - 2.50y = -87.50
Add this equation to the first equation: (2.50x + 4.00y) + (-2.50x - 2.50y) = 123.50 + (-87.50)
Simplify the equation: 1.50y = 36
Divide both sides by 1.50: y = 24
Substitute y = 24 into the second equation: x + 24 = 35
Subtract 24 from both sides: x = 11
Therefore, there were 11 birds at the shelter on Thursday.