x = the total number of beads Belinda has
[tex]\frac{3}{5}x = \frac{1}{3}x + 36 \\ \frac{3}{5}x - \frac{1}{3}x = 36 \\ \frac{9}{15}x - \frac{5}{15}x = 36 \\ \frac{4}{15}x = 36 \\ x = 135[/tex]
So, Belinda has 135 beads in total. The problem says that she uses 1/3 of those beads to make the bracelet. So, find 1/3 of 135.
135 ÷ 3 = 45.
Belinda uses 45 beads to make the bracelet.