Systems of Equations Word Problems

Last season two running backs on the Steelers 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

Some students want to order shirts with their school logo. One company charges $9.65 per shirt plus a setup fee of $43. Another company charges $8.40 per shirt plus a $58 fee. Which equation represents the number of shirts when both companies charge the same amount?

• y = 9.65 + x
  y = 8.40 + x

• y = 9.65x + 43
  y = 8.40x + 58

• y =9.65x
  y = 8.40x

• y = 9.65x - 43
  y = 8.40x - 58

What is the solution?
(Hint:  Both lines are graphed over each other)

• One Solution

• No solution

• Infinitely Many Solutions

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

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

Your family goes to The Stanford restaurant for dinner. There are 6 people in your family. Some order the chicken dinner for $14.80, and some order steak for $17. If the total bill was $91, which system best represents the situation? 

• x + y = 6
  14.80x + 17y = 91

• x + y = 91
  14.80x + 17y = 6

• x + y = 6
  14.80y + 17x = 91

• x + y = 91
  14.80x+ 17y = 6

The cost of 5 squash and 2 zucchini is $1.32. Three squash and 1 zucchini cost $0.75. Write a system of equations.

• 5q + 2z = 1.32
  1z = 0.75

• 5q + 2z = 1.32
  3q + 1z = 0.75

• q + z = 1.32
  q + z = 0.75

• 5q + 2z = 0.75
  3q + 1z = 1.32

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

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