Ann, ben, and cindy were eating skittles. the ratio of the numbers of candies they ate is 5: 5: 7. if cindy ate 30  skittles  less than ann and  ben together, what is the total number of  skittles  the three of them ate?

170 skittles

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that there are certain number of Skittles.  And they were shared by Ann, Ben and Cindy.

The ratio in which they shared is 5:5:7

Let k be the constant of proportion.

Then Ann ate 5k skittles, Ben 5k and cindy 7k skittles

Sum of skittles Ann and Ben ate = 5k+5k =10k

Less: Cindy ate                             =                7k

No of skittles cindy ate less         =                3k

But 3k = 30 (given)

Hence k =10

Total no of skittles all three ate = 5k+5k+7k = 17k = 17(10) = 170