The senior classes at High School A and High School B planned separate trips to the local amusement park.

Question

The senior class at High School A rented and filled 13 vans and 9 buses with 646 students. High School B rented and filled 6 vans and 3 buses with 237 students. Every van had the same number of students in it as did the buses. How many students can a van carry? How many students can a bus carry?

Answer 1

13v + 9b = 646

6v + 3v = 237

If we multiply the bottom equation by -3, we get - 9v to cancel out.

13v + 9b = 646

-18v - 9b = -711

-5v = -65

v = 13 students

13(13) + 9b = 646

169 + 9b = 646

9b = 477

b = 53 students