let x be the number of coins bert had
let y be the number of coins georgia has
x+3 =2y equation 1
x-4 = y equation 2
now, since y=x-4, you can put that in the first equation
it becomes x+3= 2(x-4) right because y is the same thing as x but you can't solve for 2 letters so we have to make them the same.
so your new equation is x+3 = 2(x-4)
expand so you get x+3= 2x -8
then solve for x by putting the x's on one side and the numbers on the other
bring x over --- 3= 2x- 8 - x and subtract the xs to get 3= x-8
then bring the 8 to the other side
3+ 8 = x
x= 11
note: remember! when you're bringing numbers and letters to the other side, you have to reverse the operation: say you have x+1 = 2 --- when bringing the one over to the other side it becomes a -1 ---- x+1= 2-1
so bert has 11 cents.
this question is a little difficult, it takes some practice and it's stuff you'll learn in high school so don't worry too much if you don't get it
