Word problem

Question

If 17 kids take French and 21 take English and there is a total of 24 students how many take both

Answer 1

"take French" means either take only French or take both 

        (Only French) + (both) = 17

 

"take English" means either take only English or take both

       (Only English) + (both) = 21

 

Adding these two equations:

      (Only French) + (Only English) + 2*(both) = 38       [eq1]

 

"total of 24 students" means

      (Only French) + (Only English) + (both) = 24             [eq2]

 

Now, subtract eq2 fro eq1:

         (both) = 14

 

There are 14 students who take both French and English.

Answer 2

17 + 21 = 38

38 - 24 = 14

14 take both

 

Draw a Venn diagram!