This is a word problem on linear equations
Step by step explanation
Let the total number of people watching the play be represented by “y”
y= adults + children
Adults = 3/8 * y = 3y/8
Adults = 3y➗ 8
The rest are children
Children = Total - Adult
Children = y -( 3y/8)
Children = y - (3y ➗8)
Remember Children + Adult = Total
32+ Adult = number of children
32 + (3y/8) = y - (3y/8)
Solve for y
32 + (3y➗8) = y - (3y ➗ 8)
Multiply through by the lcm factor which is 8 or cross multiply
(32 x 8) + 8(3y➗8) = (8 x y) - 8(3y➗8)
256 + 3y = 8y - 3y
256 + 3y = 5y
256 = 5y - 3y
256 = 2y
256➗2= y
128= y
So the total number of people watching the play is 128 people
You can go further to cross check by finding the number of adults and children and comparing it to the question