Question 736206
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In a heated game of kickball, the third graders won by 16 points over the fourth graders. 
The total points scored were 38 how many points did each team score?
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<pre>
Let  x  be the points of third graders, and
let  y  be the points of fourth graders.


Write equations as you read the problem

    x + y = 38,     (1)

    x - y = 16.     (2)


Add equations (1) and (2).  The terms with 'y' will cancel each other, and you get

    2x = 38 + 16 = 54  --->  x = 54/2 = 27.


Subtract equation (2) from equation (1).  The terms with 'x' will cancel each other, and you will get

    2y = 38 - 16 = 22  --->  y = 22/2 = 11.


<U>ANSWER</U>.  Three-graders scored 27 points;  four-graders scored 11 points.
</pre>

Solved.