## Confusing Word Problem

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### Confusing Word Problem

I don’t know if my mind is blanking out, or I’m just plain stupid. Here is the word problem that I can’t seem to understand:

While organizing his bookshelf, Michael noticed that he had eight more science-fiction novels than spy novels. If he owns 26 science-fiction novels and spy novels, how many of each type of novel does he own? Explain how you found your solution.

Thanks if you help!
YoungMoustache
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### Re: Confusing Word Problem

Let x be the number of sci-fi novels and y be the number of spy novels.

From the statement "he had eight more science-fiction novels than spy novels" we may write:

$x=y+8$

From the statement "he owns 26 science-fiction novels and spy novels" we may write:

$x+y=26$

If we substitute for x from the first equation into the second, we have:

$y+8+y=26$

$2y=18$

$y=9$

Now, using the first equation, and substituting the value we found for y into it, we find:

$x=9+8=17$

Thus, we find that Michael has 17 sci-fi novels and 9 spy novels.
Living in the pools, They soon forget about the sea...— Rush, "Natural Science" (1980)

MarkFL
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