There are 140 people in a singing competition. a. write an expression for the number of people after x rounds. expression: b. how many people compete in the ninth round? people question 2 which best explains your reasoning? there are 20 people left after the eighth round. so, 20 people compete in the ninth round. when x=9,140−15x=5. so, 5 people compete in the ninth round. there are 20 people left after the eighth round and 20−15=5. so, 5 people compete in the ninth round. there are 20 people left after the eighth round. so, 35 people compete in the ninth round.