Fairview High School has a total of 92 boys and girls who play sports. If the number of boys is 17 more than twice the number of girls, how many boys play sports at this high school?

Question

terenzreignz · Answer

First step to solving word problems like these is assigning values to stuff.. or what we call representing.
If we let x be the number of boys... how would you relate that to the number of girls?

anonymous · Answer

y equals the number of girls?

terenzreignz · Answer

Ok... you can do that :)
Have you done systems of linear equations already?

anonymous · Answer

some but im having trouble

terenzreignz · Answer

Okay... more on that later :)
So, x boys, y girls...  catch me so far?

anonymous · Answer

yess

terenzreignz · Answer

First... what's x + y?

anonymous · Answer

x+y=92

terenzreignz · Answer

Very good :)
We have two variables, so we need two equations to be able to solve it..
Any idea where we can get another equation?

anonymous · Answer

17+2y=x?

terenzreignz · Answer

...Yeah actually... are you sure you needed help with this question? ;)

anonymous · Answer

lol i doubt myself just making sure

terenzreignz · Answer

Okay... so... we have
x + y = 92
and
17 + 2y = x

We want the number of boys, right?  So we're looking for x.

anonymous · Answer

im good now as long as i know that those are the two equations thank you :)

terenzreignz · Answer

Well, I'll be :)
You pretty much solved this by yourself, so... take this medal, and may you have more to come :D
By the way, you're new to Openstudy.  I may not be an Ambassador, but welcome to Openstudy... and enjoy!  :)