A drama class has a total of 26 students. The number of females is 16 less than the number of males. How many males and how many females are in the class?

5 has to be the answer

The class is made up of male and female students.

"A drama class has a total of 26 students"

f + m = 26

"The number of females is 16 less than the number of males"

f = m - 16

Substitute the second equation into the first.

m - 16 + m = 26

- combine like terms -

2m - 16 = 26

- add 16 to both sides -

2m = 42

- divide by 2 -

m = 21

Now substitute that answer into either equation

f + 21 = 26

- subtract both sides by 21 -

f = 5

Remember that whatever you do to one side, you have to do to the other