Math puzzle for kids. Math game with bugs for children, easy level ... - Free Printable

This is a fun math puzzle where different insects represent numerical values. Let's solve it step by step.

Step 1: Assign variables to the insects

- Let the ladybug be represented by \( L \).
- Let the bee be represented by \( B \).
- Let the snail be represented by \( S \).

Step 2: Translate the equations into algebraic form

The puzzle provides three equations:
1. \( L + B = S \)
2. \( B + L + S = 10 \)
3. \( B - L = 1 \)

We need to find the value of \( L \) (the ladybug).

Step 3: Solve the system of equations

#### Equation 1: \( L + B = S \)
From this equation, we can express \( S \) in terms of \( L \) and \( B \):
\[ S = L + B \]

#### Equation 2: \( B + L + S = 10 \)
Substitute \( S = L + B \) into this equation:
\[ B + L + (L + B) = 10 \]
\[ B + L + L + B = 10 \]
\[ 2B + 2L = 10 \]
Divide both sides by 2:
\[ B + L = 5 \quad \text{(Equation 4)} \]

#### Equation 3: \( B - L = 1 \)
We now have two equations involving \( B \) and \( L \):
1. \( B + L = 5 \)
2. \( B - L = 1 \)

#### Solve for \( B \) and \( L \)
Add the two equations:
\[ (B + L) + (B - L) = 5 + 1 \]
\[ 2B = 6 \]
\[ B = 3 \]

Substitute \( B = 3 \) back into \( B + L = 5 \):
\[ 3 + L = 5 \]
\[ L = 2 \]

#### Find \( S \)
Using \( S = L + B \):
\[ S = 2 + 3 = 5 \]

Step 4: Verify the solution

1. \( L + B = S \):
\[ 2 + 3 = 5 \] (True)
2. \( B + L + S = 10 \):
\[ 3 + 2 + 5 = 10 \] (True)
3. \( B - L = 1 \):
\[ 3 - 2 = 1 \] (True)

All equations are satisfied.

Final Answer:

The value of the ladybug (\( L \)) is:
\[
\boxed{2}
\]