In a recent pancake eating contest, Phil ate three less than twice as many pancakes as Sara. Together they combined to eat 15 pancakes. How many pancakes did they each eat?

To solve this problem, we need to set up equations based on the given information.

Let's say that Sara ate x pancakes. According to the problem, Phil ate three less than twice as many pancakes as Sara. So, we can write Phil's pancake consumption as follows:

Phil = 2 * x - 3

Now, if we add Sara's and Phil's pancake consumption together, it should equal 15, as stated in the problem:

x + (2 * x - 3) = 15

Let's simplify this equation and solve for x.

Combining like terms on the left side:

3x - 3 = 15

Next, let's isolate the variable x by adding 3 to both sides:

3x = 18

Now, divide both sides by 3 to solve for x:

x = 6

Therefore, Sara ate 6 pancakes.

To find out how many pancakes Phil ate, substitute the value of x (6) back into the equation we established for Phil's pancake consumption:

Phil = 2 * x - 3
Phil = 2 * 6 - 3
Phil = 12 - 3
Phil = 9

Hence, Phil ate 9 pancakes.

S = Sara

S + 2S - 3 = 15

2S - 3 = 15

2S = 12

S = 6