Question

Is it possible to arrange 152 books on a shelf so that the first shelf has 7 fewer books than the second shelf and 11 more than the third shelf?

Answer 1

Using a system of equations, it is found that since the solution of the system does not involve decimal numbers, it is possible to arrange the books in this way.

For the system, we consider that:

• x is the number of books on the first shelf.

• y is the number of books on the second shelf.

• z is the number of books on the third shelf.

In total, there are 152 books, hence:

$x + y + z = 152$

The first shelf has 7 fewer books than the second shelf, hence:

$x = y - 7$

Also, it has 11 more books than the third shelf, hence:

$x = z + 11$

Then:

$y - 7 = z + 11$

$z = y - 18$

Then, replacing in the first equation:

$x + y + z = 152$

$y - 7 + y + y - 18 = 152$

$3y = 177$

$y = \frac{177}{3}$

$y = 59$

The number of books in each shelf has to be countable, that is, cannot be decimal.

• Then, since the solution of the system does not involve decimal numbers, it is possible to arrange the books in this way.

To learn more about system of equations, you can take a look at brainly.com/question/14183076