Answer:
Let's solve!
Step-by-step explanation:
FACTS:
- squirrel dug 4 fewer holes than the chipmunk
- chipmunk hid 3 acorns in each of the holes it dug
- squirrel hid 4 acorns in each of the holes it dug
- each hid the same number of acorns
Solve [using the guess-and-check method]:
3 acorns * 16 holes = 48 acorns (chipmunk)
4 acorns * 12 holes = 48 acorns (squirrel)
The chipmunk (and the squirrel!!) hid 48 acorns.
Key:
w = 3 acorns
x = 4 acorns
y = 1 hole
z = total acorns
Chipmunk:
(w * 16y)
Squirrel:
(x * 12y)
Total equation:
(w * 16y) + (x * 12y) = z
Example:
(w * 16y) + (x * 12y) = z
(3 * 16) + (4 * 12) = z
|____| |____|
48 + 48 = z
|________|
96 = z
96 acorns is the answer when you use the equation to solve. Note: this equation combines the total acorns of both animals.
I hope this helps!