Question

The number of children at the library was 3 times the number adults. The total number of people at the library was 48. How many children were at the library


A 12

B 24

C 32

D 36

Answer 1

Answer:

D 36

Step-by-step explanation:

Write the information algebraically

c = 3a

c + a = 48

c = children, a = adults

In the second sentence (in bold), we can replace c with 3a

c + a = 48 → 3a + a = 48

Simplify

3a + a = 48 → 4a = 48 → a = 12 (divide both sides by 4)

We can then substitute or plug in a = 12 into the original equation:

c + a = 48 → c + 12 = 48 → c = 36 (subtract 12 from both sides)

There are 36 children