Question

1. aiden and jacob each have a collection of rock fossils

• the number of fossils in aiden’s collection can be represented by n.
• the number of fossils in jacob’s collection is 4 times the number in aiden’s collection.
• the total number of fossils in both collections is 120.

write and solve an equation to determine n, the number of fossils in aiden’s collection.
answer: n =

Explanation:

Step1: Define Jacob's medal count

Jacob has $m - 4$ medals.

Step2: Set up total medal equation

Sum of both collections equals 120:
$m + (m - 4) = 120$

Step3: Simplify the equation

Combine like terms:
$2m - 4 = 120$

Step4: Isolate the variable term

Add 4 to both sides:
$2m = 124$

Step5: Solve for m

Divide by 2:
$m = \frac{124}{2}$

Answer:

$m = 62$
Aaron has 62 medals in his collection.