A geometry class has a total of 27 students. The number of females is 13 less than the number of males. How many males and how many females are in the class?
Mathematics · Middle School · Mon Jan 18 2021
Answered on
Given the statement:
A geometry class has a total of 27 students. The number of females is 13 less than the number of males.
Determine the number of males and females in the class.
Solution:
The given numerical statement can be represented as,
let x = number of males
x - 13 = number of females
Equate the two representation with a sum of 27.
x + x - 13 = 27
Solve for x.
Combine like terms, and transpose 13 on the other side of the equation, hence it must be taken to note that in transposing a number, the sign changes.
2x - 13 = 27
2x = 27 + 13
2x = 40
Divide both sides by 2 in order to cancel out 2x, leaving behind x.
2x/2 = 40/2
x = 20
Number of males = 20
Number of females
= 20 - 13
= 7
Final answer:
Number of males = 20
Number of females = 7