Question

a textbook store sold a combined total of 404 physics and psychology textbooks in a week. the number of psychology textbooks sold was 46 less than the number of physics textbooks sold. how many textbooks of each type were sold?
number of physics textbooks sold:
number of psychology textbooks sold:

Explanation:

Step1: Set up equations

Let \( x \) be the number of physics textbooks. Then the number of psychology textbooks is \( x - 46 \). The total is \( x+(x - 46)=404 \).

Step2: Simplify the equation

Combine like - terms: \( 2x-46 = 404 \).
Add 46 to both sides: \( 2x=404 + 46=450 \).

Step3: Solve for \( x \)

Divide both sides by 2: \( x=\frac{450}{2}=225 \).

Step4: Find the number of psychology textbooks

Substitute \( x = 225 \) into \( x - 46 \). So, \( 225-46 = 179 \).

Answer:

Number of physics textbooks sold: \( 225 \)
Number of psychology textbooks sold: \( 179 \)