The ratio of girls to boys is 3 to 5. If there are 20 more girls than boys, how many total students are there?

How do I start this?

Thanks

start with:

b/g = 3/5
g = b+20

But the ratio is girls to boys 3:5

ok - fix it and go from there.

To solve this problem, we need to set up a system of equations based on the information given. Let's denote the number of girls as "G" and the number of boys as "B."

From the given information, we know that the ratio of girls to boys is 3 to 5. This means that for every 3 girls, there are 5 boys. We can represent this relationship as G/B = 3/5.

Additionally, we are told that there are 20 more girls than boys (G = B + 20).

Now, we can set up our system of equations:

Equation 1: G/B = 3/5
Equation 2: G = B + 20

To solve this system, we can use substitution or elimination method. However, in this case, let's use substitution:

Take Equation 2 and substitute the value of G from Equation 1 into it:
(B + 20) = B/3 * 5

Now, we can solve this equation to find the value of B:

B + 20 = 5B/3

Multiply both sides of the equation by 3 to eliminate the fraction:
3(B + 20) = 5B

Distribute:
3B + 60 = 5B

Subtract 3B from both sides:
60 = 2B

Divide both sides by 2:
B = 30

So, there are 30 boys in total.

To find the number of girls, substitute the value of B into Equation 2:
G = 30 + 20
G = 50

Therefore, there are 50 girls in total.

To find the total number of students, we add the number of girls and boys together:
Total students = G + B
Total students = 50 + 30
Total students = 80

So, there are 80 total students.