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?

2 answers

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
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