97 students take history and 124 take english. there are 43 of these students who take both history and english. what is the toal number of students taking history, english or both classes?

97 + 124 - 43 = 178

To find the total number of students taking history, English, or both classes, we need to add the number of students taking history and the number of students taking English, then subtract the number of students taking both classes.

Let's break down the given information:
- Number of students taking history (H) = 97
- Number of students taking English (E) = 124
- Number of students taking both history and English = 43

To find the total number of students taking history, English, or both classes, we will use the principle of inclusion-exclusion:

Total = H + E - Both

Total = 97 + 124 - 43

Total = 221

Therefore, the total number of students taking history, English, or both classes is 221.