Laurie has $46,000 invested in stocks. The amount invested in stocks is $8,000 less than three times the amount invested in bonds. How much does Laurie have invested in bonds?

Answer 1

It makes sense with "word" problems to label your variables.Also this word problem is not stated accurately (I think). Likely the first sentence should state ..."$46,000 invested in stocks and bonds", Assuming that is the case then:

Let S = amount invested in Stocks (dollars)

B = amount invested in Bonds (dollars)

Since there are two unknowns we need two equations.

The first is based on the fact that a total of $46,000 is invested.

B + S = 46000.

Now, "stocks IS 8000 less than 3 times bonds". Let's see how to translate that into algebra:

S = 3B - 8000 (3B is 3 times the amount invested in Bonds and subtracting 8000 gives 8000 less than that amount.

So two equations-two unknowns.

1. B + S = 46000
2. S = 3B - 8000

This combination lends itself to the substitution method because one of the variables is already isolated.

Rewrite equation 1, substituting 3B - 8000 for S.

Equation 1 becomes B + 3B - 8000 = 46000.Solve for B and you have the answer to the problem (how much invested in Bonds?).