Question

Cameron started with 20 pieces of gum and gave away x number of pieces. Connor started with 35 pieces of gum and gave away twice as many as Cameron did. How many pieces of gum did Cameron give away if they had the same number of pieces left? A - 5 B - 15 C - 18 D - 8

Answer 1

x = 15

Explanation:

Cameron started with 20 pieces of gum and gave away x number of pieces.

Cameron = 20 - x

Connor started with 35 pieces of gum and gave away twice as many as Cameron did.

Connor = 35 - 2x

Equate both Cameron and Connor expression

20 - x = 35 - 2x

Collect like terms

20 - 35 = -2x + x

-15 = -x

Divide both sides by -1

15 = x

x = 15

Check:

Cameron = 20 - x

= 20 - 15

= 5

Connor = 35 - 2x

= 35 - 2(15)

= 35 - 30

= 5