Question

a midwestern music competition awarded 32 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

make a let statement
letx=white ribbons
letx-3= blue ribbons
letx+2=red ribbons

x+x+2+x-3=32
solve

Answer 2

A midwestern music competition awarded 31 ribbons. The number of blue ribbons awarded was 2 less than the number of white ribbons. The number of red ribbons was 3 more than the number of white ribbons. How many of each kind of ribbon was​ awarded?

Answer 3

Let white ribbons be k
Blue will be k-3
Red will be k+2
Sum of white, blue and red... 32
Therefore... K +k-3+k+2=32
3k-1=32
3k=32+1
3k=33.... Divide both side with 3
K=11
Blue =8
White =11
Red =13