Can anyone answer this? Im having trouble.

Question

A midwestern music competition awarded 38 ribbons. The number of blue ribbons was 3 less than the number of white ribbons. The number of red ribbons was 2 more than the number of whit ribbons. How many of each ribbon was awarded?

Answer 1

Translate English into math:

 

B + W + R = 38

B = W - 3

R = W + 2

 

Substitute

W - 3 + W+ W + 2 = 38

3W - 1 = 38

3W = 39

W = 13

B = 10

R = 15

 

You should take these 3 answers and make sure that they satisfy the conditions of the problem.