Question

Mary has twice as many pencils as she has pens. Tom borrows a pen. Now, Mary has ten less pens than pencils. How many pencils does Mary have?

Answer 1

C = Number of Pencils
N = Number of Pens

You're about half done. Let's see what you get.

Answer 2

C= 2N

Answer 3

So the total amount she has is 2n + N

Answer 4

So now?

Answer 5

Okay, now translate the "Tom" information.

Answer 6

2N + N = M so then when Tom takes the pen it becomes 2N + N = M is now 2N = M

Answer 7

We have:

C = Number of Pencils
N = Number of Pens

Mary has twice as many pencils as she has pens.

C = 2N

Tom borrows a pen.

Now, we've only N-1 Pens

Now, Mary has ten less pens than pencils

C - 10 = N-1

Translate EXACTLY what it says. No need to talk your way out of it.

Answer 8

N= 9

Answer 9

So C= 19 since there are ten less pens than pencils, right?

Answer 10

Thank you for the help! I got it! :)

Answer 11

Woo-hoo!!!! Careful with that translating? Be as exact as you can.