In 2011, there were 9 fewer democratic state governors than republican state governors. Find the number of state governors from each party.

Question

1. Show work
2. answer

Answer 1

There are 50 states.

 

D + R = 50 for the total of governors

 

R - 9 = D for 9 fewer democrats.

 

Substitute R - 9 for D in original problem

 

R - 9 + R = 50 combine like terms

 

2R - 9 = 50 add 9 to both sides to isolate R

 

2R - 9 + 9 = 50 + 9

 

2R = 59 divide both sides by 2

 

2R/2 = 59/2

 

R = 29.5 There are 29.5 republicans

 

R - 9 = D

 

29.5 - 9 = D

 

20.5 = D There are 20.5 democrats

 

29.5 + 20.5 = 50