Let [tex]e[/tex] and [tex]r[/tex] be the number of elves and reindeers, respectively.
We know that:
[tex]r+e=14[/tex] (so far 14 of them have arrived)
[tex]4r+2e = 38[/tex](each reindeer has 4 legs and each elf has two)
If we multiply the first equation by 2 we have [tex]2r+2e=28[/tex], and if we subtract this equation from the second we have [tex]2r=10[/tex] which implies [tex]r=5[/tex].
So, there are 5 reindeers and 9 elves (remember that they have to sum up to 14).
The number of reindeers is 5 and the number of elves is 9.
Two equations can be derived from the equation:
e + r = 14 equation 1
2e + 4r = 38 equation 2
Where:
e = number of elves at the meeting
r = number of reindeers at the meeting
In order to determine the value of r, multiply equation 1 by 2.
2e + 2r = 28 equation 3
Subtract equation 3 from 2
2r = 10
Divide both sides of the equation by 2
r = 5
To solve for e substitute for r in equation 1
5 + e = 14
e = 14 - 5
e = 9
A similar question was answered here: brainly.com/question/23589883?referrer=
