Question

Colton bought some strings of beads. The number of strings was 10 more than the number of beads on each string. There were 119 beads in all. How many strings of beads did Colton buy?

Answer 1

Answer: 17 strings

Explanation:

let the number of strings be a

let the number of beads on each string be b

a − b = 10 (first equation)
a × b = 119 (second equation)

From the first equation:

a = 10 + b

substitute first equation into second equation
b × (10 + b) = 119
10b + b² − 119 = 0
b = 7 or b = -17 reject -17

a − 7 = 10
a = 17