Question

Smart enough to answer this question? Gracie, Mary, and Nancy each have a small collection of seashells. Gracie has 5 more than 1 1/4 times the number of shells Mary has. Nancy has 1 more than 1 1/2 times the number of shells Mary has. Gracie and Nancy have the same number of shells. If x is the number of shells Mary has, identify the equation that represents this situation and identify its solution. (isnt fraction is one and one fourths, second fraction is 1 and one halfs)

Answer 1

x = mary's shells
g = 1 1/4x + 5
n = 1 1/2x+ 1
g = n

1 1/4x + 5 = 1 1/2x + 1
5/4x + 5 = 3/2x + 1...multiply by common denominator of 4, this will get rid of fractions...however, this is optional...u can work with fractions if u wish.
5x + 20 = 6x + 4
5x - 6x = 4 - 20
-x = - 16
x = 16....so Mary has 16 shells

Answer 2

x = mary's shells
g = 1 1/4x + 5
n = 1 1/2x+ 1
g = n

1 1/4x + 5 = 1 1/2x + 1
5/4x + 5 = 3/2x + 1...multiply by common denominator of 4, this will get rid of fractions...however, this is optional...u can work with fractions if u wish.
5x + 20 = 6x + 4
5x - 6x = 4 - 20
-x = - 16
x = 16....so Mary has 16 shells