Math equations problem

Question

Tracy won 50 bouncy balls at the carnival. She gave two to each of her friends. Then she had 8 left. How many friends did she give bouncy balls to?

Answer 1

Tracy won 50 bouncy balls at the carnival. She gave two to each of her friends. Then she had 8 left. How many friends did she give bouncy balls to?

Explanation:

Total number of balls won = 50

Let total number of friends be "x."

Each friend receives 2 balls or 2x. The remainder of balls left is 8.

We can now represent the problem as an equation.

2x + 8 = 50 Solve for x.

2x = 50 - 8 (subtract 8 from both sides of equation)

2x = 42 (divide both sides of equation by 2)

x = 21

Tracy has 21 friends who received two balls each. Tracy had 8 left over.

Answer 2

Tracy started with 50 bouncy balls. After giving some to friends she had 8 left.

50 - 8 = 42

There are 42 bouncy balls that have been given to her friends. Tracy gave 2 to each friend, so I would take 42 and divide by 2.

42 / 2 = 21

Tracy gave bouncy balls to 21 friends.

I can also check my work to make sure I get back to the original 50 bouncy balls.

21 friends each got 2 bouncy balls.

21 x 2 = 42

Tracy was left with 8 bouncy balls.

42 + 8 = 50