math word problem

Question

Two of the top-grossing concert tours were by a jazz band and a rock band. Together the two tours visited 176 cities. The jazz band visited 98 cities more than the rock band. How many cities did each group visit?

Answer 1

The easiest way to work through this problem is to set up an equation.

 

Let's say that the rock band is x.

 

Since the jazz band visited 98 more cities than the rock band, the jazz band will be 98+x.

 

When thinking about how many cities both bands visited, we add them together to equal 176.

 

Now, combine the pieces. Rock band + Jazz band = Total

 

x + 98 + x = 176

 

Combine like terms:

2x + 98 = 176

 

Subtract 98 from both sides:

2x = 78

 

Divide both sides by 2:

x = 39

 

Rock band visited 39

 

Jazz band is 39 + 98 = 137

 

Double check by adding the two together:

137 + 39 = 176