Question

Algebra 2 Word Problem: Set up using 3 variables & 3 equations:
"A friend e-mails you the results of a recent high school swim meet. The e-mail states that 24 individuals placed, earning a combined total of 53 points. First place earned 3 points, second place earned 2 points, and third place earned 1 point. There were as many first-place finishers as second and third-place finishers combined."
A: Write a system of THREE equations that represents how many people finished in each place.
B: How many swimmers finished in first place, second and third?

Answer 1

When you say 24 individuals placed do you mean 24 people finished first second or third?

Answer 2

f + s + t = 24
3*f + 2*s + t = 53
f = (s + t)

Answer 3

First Place 12
Second Place 5
Third Place 7

12*3 = 36
5*2 =10
plus 7
sums to 53
12+5+7 sums to 24 participants
12 (first place) = (5 second place and 7 third place)

That seems to be it.