# Math Help - Assistance with Word Problem, my fellow Mathematicians.

1. ## Assistance with Word Problem, my fellow Mathematicians.

Hi, I was wondering whether someone could help me with a word problem I've been struggling with. Help would be greatly appreciated.

Here's the question:

"A group of four girls and some boys(x) go out for coffee to discuss the difficult IEB exam they wrote. After several cups each they calm down and the bill comes to $600. The boys felt generous and split the bill between them. The result of this that they each pay$25 more than they would have done otherwise. How many boys were there?"

Thanks,

Squared

2. My guess, if I'm understanding the question, would be

8 boys

75 dollars each, comes to 600 dollars for the bill.

If they had not split the check, and there were 4 girls/8 boys splitting the same 600 dollar bill, they would all pay 50 dollars, which is 25 less than what they had to pay.

but anyone feel free to correct me

3. Originally Posted by Squared
Hi, I was wondering whether someone could help me with a word problem I've been struggling with. Help would be greatly appreciated.

Here's the question:

"A group of four girls and some boys(x) go out for coffee to discuss the difficult IEB exam they wrote. After several cups each they calm down and the bill comes to $600. The boys felt generous and split the bill between them. The result of this that they each pay$25 more than they would have done otherwise. How many boys were there?"
Let x be the number of boys. If only the boys paid the bill, they would each pay 600/x. If both boys and girls pay, they would each pay 600/(x+4). Saying the first is \$25 more than the second says that 600/x= 600/(x+ 4)+ 25. Solve that equation for x.

Thanks,

Squared

4. ## My thanks!

@coolguy

Correct, but you took the a shortcut.
Thanks to you as well.

@HallsofIvy

Hey! Thank you so much, man, you don't know how much this helped me!
I almost got it right on my own.
This is like a mountain off my shoulders!
I solved the equation and it came to x = -12 or x = 8, obviously people can't be negative so it was eight. Your equation worked perfectly!
Also, it matched the answer in the book.

Thanks so much HOI, I owe you one.

Squared