Question

This equation shows how the number of plants Carmen can have in her backyard is related to the number of seed packets she purchases.

p = s + 2

The variable s represents the number of seed packets she purchases, and the variable p represents the total number of plants in the backyard. How many seed packets does Carmen need to have a total of 18 plants in her backyard?

seed packets

Answer 1

To find the number of seed packets Carmen needs to have a total of 18 plants in her backyard, we can use the equation provided:

\[
p = s + 2
\]

We know that \(p\) (the total number of plants) is 18. We can substitute this value into the equation:

\[
18 = s + 2
\]

Next, we solve for \(s\):

1. Subtract 2 from both sides of the equation:

\[
18 - 2 = s
\]
\[
16 = s
\]

Thus, the number of seed packets Carmen needs to purchase is:

\[
\boxed{16}
\]