w + b = 44
w = 4b - 1
Now I see a couple of ways to solve this quickly using substitution.
1. Since w = 4b - 1, we can substitute 4b - 1 for w in the 1st equation.
(4b - 1) + b = 44
Combining like terms...
5b - 1 = 44
5b - 1 + 1 = 44 + 1
5b = 45
5b/5 = 45/b
b = 9
w = 4(9) - 1
w = 36 - 1
w = 35
2. Orrrrr, if we solve the first equation for w...
w = 44 - b
w = 4b - 1
Now, since w equals 44 - b and 4b - 1, they equal each other!
44 - b = 4b - 1
-5b = -45
b = 9
etc.
The first way is probably the way your teacher would show you, but either works for solving by substitution.
Good luck!
