do not know how to set formula/

Brady joins band of 44 students.
8 play oboe.
1/2 as may play clarinet as flute. How many play each instument

f=flute
1/2f=clarinet
8+[1/2f+f]=44

=[

2 answers

I actually think that your equation is correct.

8 +[1/2f + f] = 44
-8______________-8
___[1/2f + f] = 36
__1[1/2f + f] = 36 Distribute to get rid of brackets.
_____1/2f + f = 36
Multiply every term by 2.(Opposite number of 1/2.)
_______f + 2f = 72
Add all like terms on left side.
___________3f = 72
Divide by 3 on both sides.
____________f = 24

In order to find the number for clarinets, you should be able to do this equation:

8 + c + 24 = 44

Now, I think you might be able to do the rest, so please try to do the rest.

I hope this helps! :)

P.S. Once I saw that the problem had my name, I knew I had to try to help.
number who play clarinet --- x
number who play flute ----- 2x , (notice how I avoided fractions?)

2x + x + 8 = 44
3x = 36
x = 12

So 12 play clarinet, 24 play flute and 8 play oboe