1. **State the problem:** There are 3 more girls than boys in the school and the total number of students (boys + girls) is 515. We need to find the number of boys and girls using two methods. 2. **Method 1: Let $x$ be the number of boys.** The number of girls is then $x + 3$. 3. **Write the equation for total students:** $$x + (x + 3) = 515$$ 4. **Simplify the equation:** $$2x + 3 = 515$$ 5. **Solve for $x$:** Subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x = 515 - 3 = 512$$ Divide both sides by 2: $$x = \frac{512}{2} = 256$$ 6. **Find the number of girls:** $$x + 3 = 256 + 3 = 259$$ 7. **Answer method 1:** There are 256 boys and 259 girls. 8. **Method 2: Let $y$ be the number of girls.** Since girls are 3 more than boys, boys = $y - 3$. 9. **Set up the total students equation:** $$y + (y - 3) = 515$$ 10. **Simplify:** $$2y - 3 = 515$$ 11. **Solve for $y$:** Add 3 to both sides: $$2y = 518$$ Divide both sides by 2: $$y = 259$$ 12. **Find the number of boys:** $$y - 3 = 259 - 3 = 256$$ 13. **Answer method 2:** There are 259 girls and 256 boys. **Final answer:** There are 256 boys and 259 girls in the school.