. 1000 pencils are distributed equally among a certain number of students. Had there
been 50 more students, each would have received one pencil less. Find the number of
students.



Answer :

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

x = # students

1000 / x   = p

1000 / (x+50) = p -1          Given .   solve this system for 'x'

From first equation :   x = 1000/p    sub this into the second equation

1000/ ( 1000/p +50) = p - 1          Multiply both sides by (1000/p+50)

1000 = 1000 + 50 p - 1000/p  - 50   subtract 1000 from both sides

0 = 50p - 1000/p - 50                    simplify by dividing by 50

0 = p - 20/p -1                                  Multiply by 'p'

0 = p^2 -p -20  

   Use Quadrtaic Formula to find  p =  5

            then  x = 1000/5 = 200 students