Explanation:
First, set up your problem:
(1) a = 7b from “Aaron has 7 times as many sheep as Beth”
(2) a + b = 608 from “both together had 608”
We can choose either equation to start with and solve for one of the two variables. Starting with equation (2), add =b to both sides:
a + b = b = 608 - b
So a = 608 - b
Substitute back into equation (1) replacing a with 608 - b:
608–b = 7b
Now we solve for b. First add b to both sides:
608 - b + b = 7b + b
Therefore:
608 = 8b
Divide both sides by 8 to get:
b = 608/8 = 76
Now substitute back into equation (1):
a = 7 * 76 = 532
So the final answer is
a = 532, Aaron had 532 sheep
b = 76, Beth had 76 sheep