Juan, Steve, and Gabriella bought a total of 30 markers at an art store. Juan bought 3 more markers than Steve. Gabriella bought 7 times as many markers as Steve. How many markers did each buy.

Answer 1

S = Steve
J = Juan = 3S
G = Gabriella = 7S

S + 3 + S + 7S = 30
9S = 30 - 3
9s = 27
S = 3

Answer 2

We thank you Ms. Sue for your response. Unfortunately, this appears to be an equation that my daughter, 4th grade level, (nor I for that matter) are able to decifer to even understand how to answer the problem. Is it possible for you to verbally explain how Kriten would solve this problem? ~mom

Answer 3

Correction: Juan = 3 + S
That means that Juan had 3 more markers than Steve

Gabriella had 7 times the number of markers as Steve. Gabriella = 7S

S + J + G = 30

Substituting the numbers for the names:

S + S + 3 + 7S = 30
Combine like terms.

9S + 3 = 30

Subtract 3 from each side of the equation.

9s = 27

Divide both sides by 9

S = 3