Correct Option (b)
The problem provides the following conditions to determine the number of marbles:
- Number of white marbles = 10.
- The number of white marbles is three less than the red ones. This implies that the number of red marbles is three more than the white marbles.
- Number of red marbles = 10 + 3 = 13.
- The number of white marbles is five more than the green ones. This implies that the number of green marbles is five less than the white marbles.
- Number of green marbles = 10 - 5 = 5.
The total number of marbles in the box is the sum of the white, red, and green marbles:
Total marbles = 10 (white) + 13 (red) + 5 (green) = 28.
Incorrect Options:
Option (a) 26: This total would be obtained if the number of red or green marbles were incorrectly calculated. For instance, if red marbles were 11 (instead of 13) or green marbles were 3 (instead of 5), the sum would be 26. Such values contradict the conditions stated in the problem.
Option (c) 31: This value results from an erroneous calculation of the number of red or green marbles. For example, if red marbles were 16 or green marbles were 8, the total would be 31. These numbers do not align with the given relationships.
Option (d) 36: This total indicates a significant deviation from the correct calculation of red or green marbles. For example, if red marbles were 21 or green marbles were 13, the total would be 36. These values are inconsistent with the problem's conditions.