Write a system of equations for the problem, and then solve the system.
-A biologist collected 223 fern and moss samples. There were 155 fewer ferns than moss samples. How many fern and moss samples did the biologist collect?
A) Fern samples: 34; moss samples: 189
B) Fern samples: 189; moss samples: 68
C) Fern samples: 189; moss samples: 34
D) Fern samples: 172; moss samples: 34

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let F represent the number of fern samples and M represent the number of moss samples. The system of equations based on the given information is: F + M = 223 (total samples) and F = M - 155 (155 fewer ferns than moss). Solving this system, we find F = 34 and M = 189.

Write a System of Equations for the Problem, and Then