Question 736146
<pre>
You may be beginning to solve simultaneous equations.  If so,

Let x = the number of 1 point free throws
Let y = the number of 2 point baskets.
-------------------------------------
A basketball player scored 18 times during one game.
{{{x+y=18}}}
-------------------------------------
He scored a total of 30 points, which consists of 1 point free throws and
2 point baskets.
{{{1x+2y=30}}}
------------------------------------
So we have the system of equations, or 2 simultaneous equations.

{{{system(x+y=18,x+2y=30)}}}

Solve the first equation for a letter, say, x

{{{x = 18-y}}}

We substitute (18-y) for x in the second equation:

{{{x+2y=30}}}
{{{(18-y)+2y=30}}}
{{{18-y+2y=30}}}
{{{18+y=30}}}
{{{y=30-18}}}
{{{y=12}}}   <-- number of 2 point baskets.

Substitute 12 for y in {{{x=18-y}}}

{{{x=18-y}}}
{{{x=18-12}}}
{{{x=6}}}   <--- number of 1 point free throws.

Edwin</pre>