In a basketball game, the number of points scored by the Miners was equal to 20 less than twice their opponent's score. The total number of points scored was 127. What was the total score?

Answer 1

Hi Sebastian,

Set this up as a system of linear equations. x is the Miners' score, y is the opponents or vice-versa. You were given that the total points scored was 127, so we know:

x + y = 127

Now, we were also given that the Miners score was 20 less than twice their opponents score, so:

y = 2x - 20

Now, we can manipulate that second equation to make our elimination easier. Let's get x and y on the same side:

2x - y = 20

Now, we can eliminate x by multiplying the first equation through by -2:

-2 [(x + y) =127]

2x - y = 20

-2x -2y = -254

2x - y = 20

This leaves us with:

-3y = -234

y = 78

Substituting into the first equation:

x + 78 = 127

x = 49

Checking in second equation:

78 = 2(49) - 20 True

The final score was 78-49, Opponents. Total points scored was 127.