Question

martina, alonzo, and tony sent a total of 136 text messages during the weekend. alonzo sent 4 times as many messages as tony. martina sent 8 fewer messages than tony. how many messages did they each send?
number of text messages martina sent:
number of text messages alonzo sent:
number of text messages tony sent:

Explanation:

Step1: Define Variables

Let \( t \) be the number of messages Tony sent. Then Alonzo sent \( 4t \) messages, and Martina sent \( t - 8 \) messages.

Step2: Set Up Equation

The total number of messages is \( t + 4t + (t - 8) = 136 \).

Step3: Simplify Equation

Combine like terms: \( 6t - 8 = 136 \).

Step4: Solve for \( t \)

Add 8 to both sides: \( 6t = 144 \). Divide by 6: \( t = 24 \).

Step5: Find Messages for Each

• Tony: \( t = 24 \)
• Alonzo: \( 4t = 4\times24 = 96 \)
• Martina: \( t - 8 = 24 - 8 = 16 \)

Answer:

Number of text messages Martina sent: 16
Number of text messages Alonzo sent: 96
Number of text messages Tony sent: 24