Systems of Equations Word Problems

Last season two running backs on the WCHS football team rushed a combined total of 1550 yards.  One rushed 4 times as many yards as the other.  Let x and y represent the number of yards each individual player rushed. Which system of equations could be used? 

• x + y = 1550
  y  = 4x

• x + y = 1550
  y = x + 4

• y - x = 1550
  y = 4x

• y = 1550 + x
  y = x + 4

A large pizza at Pizzi Inn costs $6.80 plus $0.90 for each topping. The cost of a large cheese pizza at Guido’s Pizza is $7.30 plus $0.65 for each topping. Which system of equations could be used to find the number of toppings when both companies cost the same amount?

• y = 6.80 + .65x
  y=7.30+.90x

• x + y = 6.80
  x + y = 7.30

• y = 6.80+.90x
  y = 7.30 + .65x

• y + .90x = 6.80
  y + .65x = 7.30

Erin is 3 years younger than twice Alex's age. Their ages combined are 33 years. How old are Alex and Erin. If x=Erin's age and y=Alex's age, choose the system that matches the situation.

• x + y = 33
  y = 2x - 3

• x + y = 33
  x = 2y - 3

• x + y = 33
  x = 3 - 2y

• x + y = 3
  x = 33 - 2y

Josh is thinking of two numbers.  Their sum is -10 and their difference is -2.  Which system of equations represents the situation?

• x - y = -10
  x + y = -2

• x = -2 
  y = 5

• x + y = -2
  x - y = -10

• x + y = -10
  x - y = -2

The WCHS choral group is selling tickets to a choral performance. On the first day of ticket sales the school sold 3 senior citizen tickets and 1 child ticket for a total of $38. The school took in $52 on the second day by selling 3 senior citizen tickets and 2 child tickets. Which equations represents the system that could be used?

• 1s + 3c = 38
  2s + 3c = 52

• 3s + 1c = 38
  3s + 2c = 52

• s + c = 38
  s + c = 52

• 3s + 3c = 38
  1s + 2c = 52

Alexandra finds that she can give 3 haircuts and 2 hair dyes in 315 minutes. Giving 2 haircuts and 4 hair dyes takes 450 minutes. Which system of equations represents the situation?

• 3x + 2y = 315

  2x + 4y = 450

• 3x + 2y = 450

  2x + 4y = 315

• 2x + 2y = 315

  3x + 4y = 450

• 3x - 2y = 315

  2x - 4y = 450

Nancy went to Ramey's to buy groceries.  On Monday she purchased 4 apples and 6 bananas for a total of $13.  On Wednesday she purchased 3 apples and 7 bananas for a total of $13.50.  Which system of equations represents the situation?

• 4x + 6y = 3
  13.5x - 13y = 6

• x + y = 4
  x - y = 6

• 4x + 6y = 13
  3x + 7y = 13.5

• 4x - 6y = 13
  3x - 7y = 13.5

The sum of Mr. Micklow and Ms. Craft's age is 55.  The difference is 3.  
Solve:
x + y = 55
x - y = 3

• (26, 23)

• (26, 29)

• (29, 26)

• (29, 32)

The difference of a and b is 3. The sum of the variables is 13. Find the numbers.

• a = 7
  b = 10

• a = 8
  b = 5

• a = 10
  b = 13

Which of the following is not a method for solving systems of equations

• Elimination

• Substitution

• Estimation

• Graphing