Question

Joanie had 72 signs to hang up around the school. After giving the same number of signs to each of 4 volunteers, she had 8 left to hang up by herself.

Answer 1

Let \( x \) represent the number of signs each volunteer received.

Since Joanie gave the same number of signs to each of the 4 volunteers, the total number of signs given to the volunteers is:

\[
4x
\]

After giving out the signs, Joanie had 8 signs left. Thus, we can write the equation:

\[
72 - 4x = 8
\]

To solve for \( x \), we first add \( 4x \) to both sides of the equation:

\[
72 - 8 = 4x
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
64 = 4x
\]

Next, we divide both sides by 4:

\[
x = \frac{64}{4} = 16
\]

So, each volunteer received 16 signs. To check our work, we can calculate the total number of signs distributed and ensure it adds up correctly with what Joanie has left:

1. Total signs given to volunteers:

\[
4 \times 16 = 64
\]

2. Signs left with Joanie:

\[
72 - 64 = 8
\]

Since Joanie has 8 signs left, our calculations confirm that the solution is correct. Therefore, each volunteer received:

\[
\boxed{16}
\] signs.