Bill did 13 more than Henry. Then each did 3 more, for a total of 31.

ar2017

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Ben originally filled out 13 more applications than Henry. Then each boy filled out 3 additional applications, bringing the total to 31. How many applications did each boy originally fill out?
 
Ben originally filled out 13 more applications than Henry. Then each boy filled out 3 additional applications, bringing the total to 31. How many applications did each boy originally fill out?
There are two unknowns, so you could pick two variables and then write a system of two equations to solve.

OR, since the number of Ben's ORIGINAL completed applications are stated in terms of Henry's, you could pick one variable for Henry's number, and then use that variable to write an expression for Ben's number. This approach would require writing and solving one equation, and then substituting the solution for Henry's ORIGINAL quantity into the expression for Ben's.

Either way, please show us what you have tried or thought about, so far. We don't know which methods your class is currently covering. :cool:
 
Ben originally filled out 13 more applications than Henry. Then each boy filled out 3 additional applications, bringing the total to 31. How many applications did each boy originally fill out?
What are your thoughts? What have you tried? How far have you gotten? Where are you stuck?

For instance, you noted that Ben's number is stated in terms of Henry's, so you picked a variable for Henry's. What variable did you pick? Using what you've learned about "translating" English into math (here), you translated the fact that Ben's number is thirteen more than Henry's number into an expression. What expression did you get? Then each added another three to his number. How did you translate this, to get two new expressions? You noted that "total" is a keyword, and used this to create an equation. What equation did you get? This gave you a linear equation. What were your steps in solving this equation? (here)

Please be complete. Thank you! ;)
 
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