Respuesta :

So, to begin, we can set the scenario into an equation to solve for the amount of magnets that Sarah had...

Joseph had 28 magnets, plus an unknown amount, x :

28 + x

Sarah had 157, plus the same unknown amount.

157 + x

Also, Sarah had four times the amount of Joseph at the end:

4(28 + x)


As a full equation:


[tex] 157 + x = 4(28 + x) [/tex]


Now, all we have to do is solve for x, the unknown amount:


[tex] 157 + x = 4(28 + x) [/tex]


Use the Distributive Property on 4(28 + x):


[tex] 157 + x = 112 + 4x [/tex]


Subtract x on both sides:


[tex] 157 + x - x = 112 + 4x - x [/tex]

[tex] 157 = 112 + 3x [/tex]


Subtract 112 on both sides:


[tex] 157 - 112 = 112 - 112 + 3x [/tex]

[tex] 45 = 3x [/tex]


Divide by 3 on both sides:

[tex] 15 = x [/tex]


15 is the unknown amount added to each pile of magnets!


Hope I could help you out!

Have a good one, and God bless!

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