Answer:
The equation that could be used to find [tex]x[/tex], the number of cantaloupes Courtney had originally is [tex]x-40=23[/tex] and the original number of cantaloupes are [tex]63[/tex].
Step-by-step explanation:
Number of cantaloupes sold [tex]=40[/tex].
Number of cantaloupes left [tex]=23[/tex].
Let Courtney had [tex]x[/tex] cantaloupes originally.
After selling [tex]40[/tex] cantaloupes out of the total number of cantaloupes, Courtney is left with [tex]23[/tex] cantaloupes.
So, the equation is [tex]x-40=23[/tex].
[tex]\Rightarrow x=23+40[/tex]
[tex]\Rightarrow x=63[/tex]
Hence, the equation that could be used to find [tex]x[/tex], the number of cantaloupes Courtney had originally is [tex]x-40=23[/tex] and the original number of cantaloupes are [tex]63[/tex].