Question

You and a friend are discussing how many sections you've completed so far in algebra 1. You tell your friend I've finished 3 times as many sections as you. Your friend replies You've only finished 4 more sections than I have. How many sections have you and your friend completed?

a. 8 sections
b. 12 sections
c. 16 sections
d. 20 sections

Answer 1

You have completed 6 sections and your friend has completed 2 sections, so you have completed a total of 8 sections.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we can set up a system of equations. Let's say you've completed x sections, and your friend has completed y sections. Based on the information given, we can translate the statements into equations:

Your statement: x = 3y

Your friend's statement: x = y + 4

We can solve this system of equations by substituting the value of x from the first equation into the second equation:

3y = y + 4

Subtracting y from both sides:

2y = 4

Dividing both sides by 2:

y = 2

Now, we can substitute the value of y back into one of the original equations:

x = 3(2) = 6

So, you have completed 6 sections and your friend has completed 2 sections. Therefore, you and your friend have completed a total of 6 + 2 = 8 sections.