Tom has three times as many pencils as pens but has a total of 100 writing utensils. How many pencils does Tom have? How many pens does Tom have?

There are 75 pencils and 25 pens.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Tom has three times as many pencils than pens then,

Pencils = 3 (Pens)

If there are a total of 100 writing utensils then,

Pencils + Pens = 100

Substitute the word "pencils" in this equation to 3 (Pens),

3 (Pens) + Pens = 100

Now remember there is almost a 'hidden' one beside the word "Pens" so,

3Pens + 1Pens = 100

Add the two together,

4Pens = 100

Divide,

Pens = 25

Substitute 25 into the first equation,

Pencils = 3 (25)

Pencils = 75

Thus, there are 75 pencils and 25 pens.