FInd the width of each stripe

Jean made a flag. The width of the flag is 38 inches. There are 3 stripes. The top stripe is 2 inches narrower than the middle stripe. The bottom stripe is 3 inches wider than the top stripe. How wide are each of the stripes? Identify the variables. Write an equation. Solve the equation

The width W of the flag is the sum of the widths of the stripes T, M and B

W = T + M + B = 38

T = M - 2
B = T + 3 = M - 2 + 3 = M +1

W = 38 = M - 2 + M + M + 1 = 3M - 1
3M = 39
M = 13
T = 11
B = 14

M -- 2 + M + M -- 2 + 3 = 38 gives 3M = 39 OR M = 13 inches
T = M -- 2 = 13 -- 2 = 11 inches
B = M -- 2 + 3 = 13 -- 2 + 3 inches = 14 inches
Top 11 inches, Middle 13 inches, Bottom 14 inches = 38 inches ANSWER