To finish solving the problem, Tessa needs to take the following steps:
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Set the expressions equal to each other: As Tessa stated, the number of books Amelia reads after \( x \) weeks is represented by the expression \( 2x + 8 \), and the number Oliver reads is represented by \( 3x + 4 \). Therefore, Tessa needs to set up the equation:
\[ 2x + 8 = 3x + 4 \]
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Solve for \( x \): Next, Tessa will rearrange the equation to isolate \( x \). This can be done by moving the terms involving \( x \) to one side and the constant terms to the other side.
- Subtract \( 2x \) from both sides:
\[ 8 = x + 4 \]
- Now, subtract \( 4 \) from both sides:
\[ 4 = x \]
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Interpret the solution: The value \( x = 4 \) indicates that after 4 weeks, both Amelia and Oliver will have read the same number of books.
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Verification: To ensure the calculation is correct, Tessa can confirm by calculating the total books read by each after 4 weeks.
- For Amelia: \[ 2x + 8 = 2(4) + 8 = 8 + 8 = 16 \text{ books} \]
- For Oliver: \[ 3x + 4 = 3(4) + 4 = 12 + 4 = 16 \text{ books} \]
Both Amelia and Oliver would have read 16 books after 4 weeks, confirming that the solution is correct.
Final Answer: After 4 weeks, Amelia and Oliver will have read the same number of books.