i'm stuck on a math problem

Question

mr smith needs to seperate 385 into 3 parts to pay some debts the second part must be 5 times as large as the first part the third part must be 35 more than the first part how much money must be in each part

Answer 1

Set variables and equations

a = first part

b = second part

c = third part

b = 5*a

c = a + 35

Plug in and solve

a + b + c = 385

a + 5a + (a + 35) = 385

7a + 35 = 385

7a = 385 - 35

7a = 350

a = 50

Plug 'a' into the equations for b & c

b = 5*a

b = 5*50

b = 250

c = a + 35

c = 50 + 35

c = 85

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Always check your work!

a + b + c = 385

50 + 250 + 85 = 385

385 = 385 CORRECT!