Question

A midwestern music competition awarded 38 ribbons. The number of blue ribbons awarded was 3 less than the number of white ribbons. The number of red ribbons was 2 more than the number of white ribbons. How many of each kind of ribbon was awarded?

Answer 1

w+(w-3)+(w+2)= 38
Solve this equation to get the number of white ribbons then plug in that number to solve for the rest of the ribbons

Answer 2

first you add one to both sides
3w-1=38
+1 +1

then you divide both sides by 3
3w=39
/3 /3

then when you get your answer...
w=13

go back and plug in 13 in every w.Remember to follow the order of operations

13+(13-3)+(13+2)=38
13+(10)+(15)=38
38+38

:D