Question

Over the last three evenings, Keisha received a total of 148 phone calls at the call center. The first evening, she received more calls than the third evening. The second evening, she received 4 times as many calls as the third evening. How many phone calls did she receive each evening?

Answer 1

• On the first evening, Keisha received a total of 33 phone calls
• On the second evening, Keisha received a total of 92 phone calls
• On the third evening, Keisha received a total of 23 phone calls

Explanation:

Assume :

• First evening calls = a
• Second evening calls = b
• Third evening calls = c

Known :

• a = c + 10
• b = 4c
• a + b + c = 148

Asked :

• a = ?
• b = ?
• c = ?

Solution :

First, let's change the b variable to 4c.

a + b + c = 148

a + 4c + c = 148

a + 5c = 148

Second, let's move all the variable to the left

a = c + 10

a - c = 10

Third, use elimination method to find the value of c

a + 5c = 148

a - c = 10

_________-

6c = 138

c = 23

Fourth, find the value of a

a = c + 10

a = 23 + 10

a = 33

Lastly, find the value of b

b = 4c

b = 4(23)

b = 92

Conclusion :

• On the first evening, Keisha received a total of 33 phone calls
• On the second evening, Keisha received a total of 92 phone calls
• On the third evening, Keisha received a total of 23 phone calls