(1) The number of items on two grocery lists differs by 7.
(2) The total number of items is 33.
How many items are on each list?

Question

(1) The number of items on two grocery lists differs by 7.
(2) The total number of items is 33.
How many items are on each list?

anonymous · Answer

list 1 = x items
list 2= (x+7) items
total items on both lists = 33
can you proceed from here?

anonymous · Answer

You can set this up as a simple system of equations. If one grocery list is 'x' and one is 'y' then: 
x-y = 7
x+y = 33

anonymous · Answer

@qpHalcy0n you're also correct, but why use two unknowns when you can set up with one?

anonymous · Answer

i need a little more help

anonymous · Answer

You don't necessarily have to solve the system as such. Solve for either variable in one and just subtract from 33.

anonymous · Answer

@ rayleigh: list 1 +list 2 = 33
                  x     + (x+7)=33
                   2x +7 =33
2x = 26 
x = 13 ........list 1
x+7 = 13+7 = 20........list 2

anonymous · Answer

thank you!