Question

Ethan and Logan read a total of 23 books over the summer. Ethan read 5 more books than Logan. How many books did Logan read this summer? How many books did Ethan read this summer?

Answer 1

Logan: 9

Ethan: 14

Explanation:

Let Ethan = e

Let Logan = l

1) We can set up two equations and solve them simultaneously.

e + l = 23

5 + l = e

1.1) To solve these equations, we can either use substitution or elimination.

5 + l + l= 23

2l = 23 - 5

2l = 18

l = 18/2

l = 9

2) Plug the result of l into one of the two equations above.

5 + 9 = e

14 = e