A midwestern music competition awarded 41 ribbons. the number of blue ribbons awarded was 1 less than the number of white ribbons. the number of red ribbons was 3 more than the number of white ribbons. how many of each kind of ribbon was awarded?

To find the number of each ribbon awarded, you will represent each number in terms of how many white ribbons were awarded.

blue + white + red = 41

(w - 1) + w + (w + 3) = 41

3w + 2 = 41

-2 - 2

3w = 39

3 3

w = 13

There were 13 white ribbons awarded, 12 blue ribbons, and 16 red ribbons.

13 + 12 + 16 = 41 total