Problema Solution

Elena checked out a total of 20 books from the library. She checked out 4 more mystery novels than romance novels, and she checked out 5 less biographies than romance novels. How many of each type of book did Elena check out of the library?

Answer provided by our tutors

Let 'x' represent the number of romance novels that Elena checked.

She checked out 4 more mystery novels than romance novels means: '4 + x' mystery novels

She checked out 5 less biographies than romance novels means: 'x - 5' biographies

Elena checked out a total of 20 books means:

x + (4 + x) + (x - 5) = 20

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click here to see the equation solved for x

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x = 7 romance novels

4 + 7 = 11 mystery novels

7 - 5 = 2 biographies

Elena checked 2 biographies, 7 romance and 11 mystery novels.