Question

A bowl contains 13 red and brown M&Ms. There are 3 more red M&Ms than brown. How many of each color in a bowl. I have to show it as a linear equation

Answer 1

There are five(5) brown M&Ms and Eight(8) red M&Ms.

Explanation:

If the number of brown M&Ms =b

If there are 3 more red M&Ms than brown, then the number of red M&Ms, r=b+3

The total of Red and Brown M&Ms =13

r+b=13

Since r=b-3

b+3+b=13

2b=13-3

2b=10

Divide both sides by 2

b=5

Number of red M&Ms

r=b+3=5+3=8

Therefore, there are 5 brown M&Ms and 8 red M&Ms.

Answer 2

So there are 8 red and 5 brown M&M

Explanation:

Let X is red M&M

Let Y is brown M&M

We know that:

• 3 more red M&Ms than brown <=> X = Y +3
• A bowl contains 13 red and brown M&Ms <=> X + Y = 13

substitute X into the second equation: (Y + 3) + Y = 13

<=> 2Y = 10

<=> Y =5

=> X = 5 + 3 = 8

So there are 8 red and 5 brown M&M