a drama class has 29 students. The number of females is 9 less than the number of males. How many males and how many females are in the class?

Question

i am looking for help to solve this problem. it would be great if I could find some help. thank you in advance. 

Answer 1

Let x = # of males and y = # of females

 

x + y = 29 (males and females combined is 29)

 

We also know that there are 9 less females than males, which can be modeled as:

 

y = x - 9

 

Now we can set up a system of equations and solve by substitution. I will replace "y" in the first equation with the "x - 9" in the second.

 

x + (x - 9) = 29

2x - 9 = 29

2x = 38

x = 19

 

There are 19 male students. Now, to find the female students, substitute 19 in for x in the second equation.

 

y = 19 - 9

y = 10

 

There are 19 male students and 10 female students.