let

g1 = the number of votes the gorilla received

p = the number of votes the python received

g2 = the number of votes the giraffe received

c = the number of votes the crocodile received

42 Students vote on mascot:

g1 + p + g2 + c = 42

gorilla received 8 votes:

g1 = 8 votes

the python received 3 times as many as giraffe:

p = 3g2

crocodile received 2 more than the gorilla:

c = 2 + g1

c = 2 + 8

c = 10 votes

by solving the system of equations:

8 + p + g2 + 10 = 42

p = 3g2

we find:

p = 18 votes

g2 = 6 votes

click here to see the step by step solution of the system of equations:

the gorilla received 8 votes.

the python received 18 votes.

the giraffe received 6 votes.

the crocodile received 10 votes.