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2013 Math Kangaroo

Problem 5

Problem 5 · 2013 Math Kangaroo Easy
Algebra & Patterns substitution

Matthias catches fish. If he had caught three times as many fish as he actually caught, he would have 12 more fish. How many fish has he caught?

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Answer: B — 6
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Hint 1 of 2
Let the real catch be one unknown amount.
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Hint 2 of 2
Three times the catch is 12 more than the catch — set up that equation.
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Approach: one-variable equation
  1. Let c be the number of fish caught.
  2. Three times as many would be 3c, which is c + 12.
  3. 3c = c + 12 → 2c = 12 → c = 6.
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