If a + b + c = 7 and 
Determine the value of 
Solution to the Problem:
The answer is 19/10.There is not enough information to solve for a, b, an c since you have three variables and only two equations. However, you can answer the question!
I wrote a computer program to solve the problem, and I found that there are six possibilities for a, b, and c:
| A | B | C |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 1 | 4 | 2 |
| 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | 2 | 1 |
All six possibilities result in the same answer:
Sophie Sommer solved the problem algebraically. Here is her solution:
Correctly solved by:
| 1. James Alarie | Flint, Michigan |
| 2. Chad Fore | Gate City, Virginia |
| 3. Sophie Sommer |
The Field School, Washington, DC |
| 4. Brooks Garris |
Lake View High School, Lake View, South Carolina |
| 5. Dalton Stoddard |
Mountain View High School, Mountain View, Wyoming |
| 6. Faith Pfeifer |
Mountain View High School, Mountain View, Wyoming |
| 7. Michael Reilly | Silver Spring, Maryland |