Rachel, Deshaun, and Charlie sent a total of 71 text messages. Rachel sent 9 fewer messages than Deshaun. Charlie sent 2 times as many messages as Deshaun. How many messages did they each send?

Answer 1

Rachel = x

Deshaun = y

Charlie = z

x + y + z = 71 These three people sent a total of 71 messages.

x = y - 9 Rachel sent 9 texts less that Deshaun.

z = 2y Charlie sent twice the amount of texts as Deshaun.

(y - 9) + y + (2y) = 71 Substitute x and z into the main equation.

y - 9 + y + 2y = 71

4y = 80

y = 20

If y = 20.... then x = 20 - 9 = 11 Plug these back into the equations again.

z = 2(20) = 40

Rachel sent 11 texts. Deshaun sent 20 texts. Charlie sent 40 tests.