A high school band held a bake sale. The number of cupcakes sold was five more than three times the number of cookies sold. The band sold a total of 53 cupcakes and cookies. How many cupcakes were sold?

Answer 1

Let's assume the number of cookies sold is x.

According to the information given, the number of cupcakes sold is 5 more than three times the number of cookies sold, so:

Number of cupcakes = 3x + 5

Total number of cupcakes and cookies sold = 53
Therefore, we can write the equation:
3x + 5 + x = 53

Combining like terms gives:
4x + 5 = 53

Subtracting 5 from both sides gives:
4x = 48

Dividing by 4 gives:
x = 12

So, the number of cookies sold is 12.

Now, we can find the number of cupcakes sold:
Number of cupcakes = 3(12) + 5
Number of cupcakes = 36 + 5
Number of cupcakes = 41

Therefore, 41 cupcakes were sold.