There are 27 red or blue marbles in a bag. The number of red marbles is five less than three times the number of blue marbles. How many red marbles are in the back how many blue marbles are in the bag

The number of red marbles in the bag is 19 and the number of blue marbles is 8.

Explanation:

Let R be the number of red marbles

Let B be the number of blue marbles

According to the question,

R + B = 27 (Total number of marbles is 27) - 1

R = 3B - 5 (Number of red marbles is 5 less than 3 times the number of blue marbles)

Substitute the right half of the second equation for R in the first equation

3B - 5 + B = 27

Add 5 to each side and combine the Bs

4B = 32

Divide both sides by 4

B = 8

Use this value of B in the first equation

R + 8 = 27

R = 19

Therefore, number of red marbles in the bag is 19 and the number of blue marbles is 8.