How many beads does Elaine have?

Question

Rachel, Elaine, and Connie have a total of 58 beads. Rachael and Elaine have a total of 34 beads. Elaine and Connie have a total of 42 beads. How many beads does Elaine have?

Answer 1

Let E = # beads for Elaine, R= # beads for Rachel and C = # beads for Connie

R + E = 34 or R = 34 - E

E + C = 42 or C = 42 - E

R + E + C = 58 and substitute fro R and C from above

(34 - E) + E + (42 - E) = 58

-E + 76 = 58

-E = -18

E = 18