Let's solve the problem step by step:
1. Let's assume that Sam has collected 'n' stamps.
2. According to the information given, Nate has collected 5 more than twice the number of stamps Sam has collected. This can be represented as 2n + 5.
3. The total number of stamps they have collected together is 26. So we can write the equation: n + (2n + 5) = 26.
4. Simplifying the equation: n + 2n + 5 = 26.
5. Combining like terms: 3n + 5 = 26.
6. Subtracting 5 from both sides of the equation: 3n = 26 - 5.
7. Simplifying: 3n = 21.
8. Dividing both sides of the equation by 3: n = 7.
Therefore, Sam has collected 7 stamps.
Now, let's calculate the number of stamps Nate has collected:
Using the equation 2n + 5, where n = 7, we have: 2(7) + 5 = 14 + 5 = 19.
Therefore, Nate has collected 19 stamps.
In summary, Sam has collected 7 stamps and Nate has collected 19 stamps.