Solving Linear Equations in Standard Form

Question

The basketball team score a total of 80 points, all off of 2-point baskets and 3-point baskets. If six 3-point baskets were made, find the number of 2-point baskets were made

Answer 1

Let x = the number of two point baskets. Now if you score 3 two point baskets, you score (2 points per basket) · (3 baskets) = 6 points. So the number of points from x baskets is 2x. Similarly, the number of points from 6 three pointers is 6·3. If the team scored 80 points, then:

2x + 6·3 = 80

2x + 18 = 80

Solve for x.