Amy, Eric, and Jose sent a total of 83 text messages during the weekend. Eric sent 5 fewer messages than Amy. Jose sent 2 times as many messages as Amy. How many messages did they each send?

Answer 1

Hi, Briana

Okay so let A = Amy, E = Eric and J = Jose

A + E + J = 83

Eric sent 5 fewer messages than Amy so,

E = A - 5

Jose sent 2 times as many messages as Amy so,

J = 2xA or 2A

So now we can write the first equation in terms of A only:

A + (A - 5) + 2A = 83

4A - 5 = 83

4A = 88

A = 22

So Amy sent 22 messages

Eric sent 22 - 5 = 17 messages

Jose sent 2x22 = 44 messages

Now, check the answer:

22 + 17 + 44 = 83

The answer is correct