Question

There are 53 students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams. The number of 8th graders is 15 fewer than three times the number of 7th graders.

How many 7th and 8th graders are on the basketball teams?

7th graders​ ​
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​8th graders ​
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Answer 1

The number of 7th students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams is 17 and the number of 8th students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams is 36

Explanation:

Let

x ----> the number of 7th students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams

y ----> the number of 8th students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams

we know that

There are 53 students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams

so

`x+y=53` -----> equation A

The number of 8th graders is 15 fewer than three times the number of 7th graders

so

`y=3x-15` ----> equation B

substitute equation B in equation A

`x+(3x-15)=53`

solve for x

`x+3x=53+15\\4x=68\\x=17`

Find the value of y

`y=3(17)-15=36`

therefore

The number of 7th students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams is 17 and the number of 8th students on the Jackson Middle School basketball teams is 36