C= number of crickets g= number of grasshoppers= twice number of crickets= 2c T= total number of both= 561
If you add the number of crickets and the number if grasshoppers, you'll get a total of 561.
c + g= T c + g= 561
Now we also know that grasshoppers are 2c (twice the crickets). Substitute 2c for g in the equation to solve for c.
c + g= 561 c + 2c= 561 combine like terms 3c= 561 divide both sides by 3 c= 187 crickets
Substitute number of crickets back in equation to find g.
c + g= 561 187 + g= 561 subtract 187 from both sides g= 374 grasshoppers
CHECK: Since grasshoppers are twice the number of crickets, then multiplying the number of crickets by two should equal the number of grasshoppers. 187 * 2= 374 374= 374
