Gus has 7 more tapes than Brian. Together they have 39 tapes. How many tapes does each boy have?

Answer 1

In case you want to write it out the long way as I have to do quite often, try this method.

Divide 39 by 3 since 3 can be split into 39 without any extra left over

Give Gus and Brian 13 each

Now try to figure out how to distribute the remaining 13 so that Gus has exactly 7 more.

Hint: Start off by distributing 3 to each side

Answer 2

Let G = # of tapes for Gus and B = # for Brian

G + B = 39

G = B + 7 => G - B = 7

Add the 2 equations

2G = 46

You finish it from here...and then check your answer!