<p>Can someone show me the algebra for this math question please?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>"The city library donated some children's books to Mr. Clark's 1st-grade class. If each student takes 4 books, there will be 20 books left. If 3 sudents do not take a book and the rest of the sutdents take 5 books each, there will be no books left. How many books were donated to the class?"</p>
<p>Number of students times four plus twenty equals (number of students minus three) times five. Cross mulitply and simplifiy to get number of students equal 35. Plug in 35 to one of the equations to get the number of books. Check by making sure the number is consistent with both equations.</p>
<p>Answer is 160 books.</p>
<p>Any tips for converting word problems into algebra?</p>
<p>I don't know, I think it just comes naturally for me. It's all logical so, just practice more...</p>
<p>Think I'll get it down by next Saturday?</p>
<p>I think this is it::::</p>
<p>Let x be the total no. of students
Let y be the no. of books</p>
<p>If each student takes 4 books, there will be 20 books left.
Eqn :: 4x+20 = y
If 3 sudents do not take a book and the rest of the sutdents take 5 books each, there will be no books left.
Eqn::: 5(x-3)=y</p>
<p>Solve the equations you get x= 35 so y =160</p>
<p>
[quote]
If each student takes 4 books, there will be 20 books left.
[/quote]
If 3 students did not take books at all, there would be 20 + 3x4 = 32 books left.</p>
<p>
[quote]
If 3 students do not take a book and the rest of the students take 5 books each, there will be no books left.
[/quote]
Since each student (but those 3 lazy bums) takes one more book (5 instead of 4) this time, and all (32) remaining books are now gone, there must be 32 takers, and the total number of books is 32x5=160.</p>
<p>you'll have it down by sat cuz you're paying attention to it</p>