We need to set up an equation based on the given conditions. Let's denote the number of possible selections in which 1 blue marble and 2 red marbles are chosen as X and the number of possible selections in which 2 blue marbles and 1 red marble are chosen as Y.According to the problem, Alejandra wants X to be twice Y. Mathematically, this can be represented as:
X=2Y
Now, let's express X and Y in terms of B and R, the number of blue and red marbles, respectively.
To choose 1 blue marble and 2 red marbles, we have B choices for the blue marble and (R/2) choices for the two red marbles. So, X=B×(R/2).
To choose 2 blue marbles and 1 red marble, we have (B/2) choices for the two blue marbles and R choices for the red marble. Thus, Y=(B/2).
Now, we equate these expressions:
B×(R/2)=2×(B/2)×R
Solve this equation to find the values of B and R.
B×R(R−1)/2=2×B(B−1)/2×R
B×R(R−1)=B(B−1)×2
B×R^2−B×R=2B^2-2B
B×R^2-2B^2=-BxR+2B
Bx(R^2-2B) = -Bx(R-2)
R^2-2B=2-R
R^2-2B-2+R=0
B= (R^2+R-2)/2
This is a quadratic equation in terms of R. We can solve it to find R, and then use that value to find B.