Question

For their CD collections, Alan, Tom, and Barbara have a total of 52 CD’s. If Barbara had 6 more, then she would have as many as both of the boys together. Tom has three more CD’s than Alan. How many CD’s does each of the three have?

Answer 1

a + t + b = 52
b + 6 = (a + t) ....b = a + t - 6......b = a + (a + 3 - 6).....b = 2a - 3
t = a + 3

a + (a + 3) + (2a - 3) = 52
4a = 52
a = 52/4
a = 13 <== alan

t = a + 3
t = 13 + 3
t = 16 <== tom

b = 2a - 3
b = 2(13) - 3
b = 26 - 3
b = 23 <== barbara