Thread: Algebraic word problem

Okay so I know forums are generally really good at flaming and spamming people who post things in the wrong forum or break code etc but I'm kinda in a hurry so I'm sorry in advance if I posted this in the wrong place. All I need is someone could help me figure out what the correct equation for this word problem is so I can solve it. Also if you could explain why that is the equation it would help alot more.

"Adults' tickets to a play cost $5, and students' tickets cost $2. If 295 tickets were sold and the total receipts were $950, how many students tickets were sold?"

Let x denote the number of adult tickets sold, y denote the number of student tickets sold.

Therefore, x + y = 295

The total receipts is $950, and since adult tickets are sold for $5 and student tickets are sold for $2:

5x + 2y = 950

Solve both equations simultaneously to find x and y.

Okay so I know forums are generally really good at flaming and spamming people who post things in the wrong forum or break code

Flaming and spamming are against the Forum Rules.

Originally Posted by Chop Suey

Solve both equations simultaneously to find x and y.

I'm not sure I know what you mean by that...

Originally Posted by Chop Suey

Flaming and spamming are against the Forum Rules.

Good to hear.

Thanks for your help!

using subsitution,

first make x the subject for the second formula so you have .

subsitute this in for x into your first equation, which gives

than just expand, simplify and solve for y








now you know what y equals you can find the value of x by substitutin the value of y into any of your equations,

Originally Posted by SkateBaker

I'm not sure I know what you mean by that...



Good to hear.

Thanks for your help!

y = 295 - x

Now replace in the second equation.

Alrighty. All cleared up. Thanks alot guys!