Solve using systems

Question

In 2009, there was a combined total of 4,046 Gap and Aeropostale clothing stores worldwide. The number of Gap stores was 3 1/4 times more than the number of Aeropostale stores. How many Gap stores and how many Aeropostale stores were there that year?

Answer 1

Start with A being the number of Aeropostale stores

 

The the number of Gap stores is 3.25 * A  (remember that 3 1/4 is the same as 3.25)

 

Now you know the total is A + 3.25 * A = 4046

 

Solve for A

 

4.25 * A = 4046

 

A = 952 <-- number of Aeropostale stores

 

4046 - 952 = 3094 <-- number of Gap stores

 

All the best

 

Lori