Need help with word problem

[ineedmathhelpplzzz]

A group of friends are enjoying the hot weather by spending some time at the beach. Some of the friends are in the water swimming, and the rest are lounging on the sand. One of the friends in the water says to those on the beach: “If one of you joins us, there will be twice as many of us as there are of you.” To this, one of the friends on the beach replies: “Yes, but if one of you joins us, there will be as many of us as there are of you.” How many friends are in the water and how many are on the beach?

 

[Deleted member 4993]

A group of friends are enjoying the hot weather by spending some time at the beach. Some of the friends are in the water swimming, and the rest are lounging on the sand. One of the friends in the water says to those on the beach: “If one of you joins us, there will be twice as many of us as there are of you.” To this, one of the friends on the beach replies: “Yes, but if one of you joins us, there will be as many of us as there are of you.” How many friends are in the water and how many are on the beach?

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[Dr.Peterson]

A group of friends are enjoying the hot weather by spending some time at the beach. Some of the friends are in the water swimming, and the rest are lounging on the sand. One of the friends in the water says to those on the beach: “If one of you joins us, there will be twice as many of us as there are of you.” To this, one of the friends on the beach replies: “Yes, but if one of you joins us, there will be as many of us as there are of you.” How many friends are in the water and how many are on the beach?

You posted this under Arithmetic; does that mean you haven't learned enough algebra to use that?

I would define variables for the number in each group, and write a pair of equations representing the two statements. If you do know some algebra, please show an attempt at that.

If you can't use algebra at all, then you might use trial and error. Pick some numbers, see how far from true the statements are, and try to adjust.