Question 10

Christine, Jim, and Ali sent a total of 89

text messages over their cell phones during the weekend. Jim sent

2 times as many messages as Ali. Ali sent

5 fewer messages than Christine. How many messages did they each send?

A = 21

J = 2A = 42

C = A+5 = 26

Step-by-step explanation:

C = christines text messages

J = jims messages

A = ali messages

Jim sent 2 times as many messages as Ali.

J = 2A

Ali sent 5 fewer messages than Christine.

A = C-5

A+5 = C

Christine, Jim, and Ali sent a total of 89 text messages

C+J+A = 89

substitute

C + 5 = A

A+5 + J+A = 89

combine like terms

2A + 5+J = 89

now substitute J = 2A

2A + 5+2A = 89

combine like terms

4A + 5 = 89

subtract 5 to each side

4A + 5-5 = 89-5

4A = 84

divide by 4

A = 21

J = 2A = 42

C = A+5 = 26