Answer: c=11, m=28
Explanation:
c= Chris's score
m= Mike's score
c+m=39 we know from the equation that their scores
add up to 39, so this equation is a good starting
point.
c+2(c+3)=39 we also know that Mike's score is twice the sum of Chris's
score and 3 so we can substitute that in for his score.
now we can solve.
c+2c+6=39 distribute
3c+6=39 combine like terms
-6 -6
3c=33 addition property of equality
÷3 ÷3
c=11 multiplication property of equality
Now that we know Chris's score, we simply substitute that number in in our simple equation for earlier to find Mike's score.
11+m=39 substituted in 11 for c
-11 -11
m=28 addition property of equality
There you go! Don't worry, I had a lot of trouble with these types of problems too. That's why I'm so good at them now Hope this helps!