Hamilton High School has 90 students in the 11th grade. There are 6 more girls than boys. How many boys and girls are there?

Question

I need to know step by step how to set this problem up and find the answer.

Answer 1

Dear Kayla,

   Here are some steps to follow:  

 

Question:  How many boys and girls are there?

 

1.  Underline key words and numbers in story problem:

 

                               Total =90                                                        6+  X                  x

Hamilton High School has 90 students in the 11th grade.  There are 6 more girls than boys.  How many boys and girls are there?

 

 

2. Write down everything given, and set up the equation.

 

Let X=number of boys,         then X+6=number of girls            

 

Boys + girls= 90 students                 X+ X+6= 90                  Substitution

 

 

3.  Simplify by collecting like terms:                 2X+6=90

 

                                                        

 

4.  Get rid of "6" by subtracting it from both sides of the equal sign:  2X+6-6=90-6.                                                                                                         2X=84.

 

 

5.  Divide both sides of equation by number next to "X."   (2/2) X = 84/2                 X=42

 

 

6.  X=number of boys, so    X=42 boys;        X+6= number of girls, so  42+6=48 girls.      substitution  Answers

 

 

7.  Check your work by substituting into the equation:  X+X+6=90, so 42+42+6=90      84+6=90,   90=90  check

 

 

If I have helped you, please give me a thumbs up.

 

                                                            Susan C.