A Midwestern competition awarded 38 ribbons. The number of blue ribbons was 1 less than the number of white ribbons. The number of red ribbons was 3 more than the number of white ribbons. How many of each kind of ribbons was awrded?

There are 12 white ribbons, 15 red ribbons, and 11 blue ribbons.

38 = (w-1) + (w+3) + w

combine like terms

38=2+3w

subtract 2 from both sides

36=3w

divide 3 on both sides

12=w

w-1=b

12-1=b

11=b

w+3=r

12+3=r

15=r

Check Your Work

w+r+b=38

15+11+12=38

38=38