Band Kids Total

Question

Clinton and Bush's High school band have a combined total of 385 students. Clintons and Regaans high school have a combined 320 students. Bush's band has 65 more members than Regans Band. Clintons band has 70 more members than Regans band. How many members are in Regans band?

Answer 1

Let the number of Reagan band members = a

Let the number of Bush band members = a + 65

Let the number of Clinton band members = a + 70

 

 

Now we set up equations based on the problem description.

 

We know that Clinton and Bush have a total of 385 students.

 

a + 70 + a + 65 = 385         

 

2a + 135 = 385

 

2a = 250

 

 

We also know that Clinton and Reagan have a total of 320 students.

 

a + a + 70 = 320

 

2a + 70 = 320

 

2a = 250

 

 

The equation     2a = 250      is constant for each school.    Solve for a.

 

 

Divide by 2.

 

 

a = 125

 

 

Reagan has 125 band members.