And so far as why it's abstract and not just a plain question (which it seemed a pretty straight question to me anyway ) is to test your ability to think, and if you care to, your ability to form an equation or whatnot from it.
anything that I can put into manipulatives in some way shape or form in my head I can solve super easy, if I can't get a picture of the actual math happening in my head though I'm screwed geometry was so nice......
You've got 2 variables. X = number of people who went coach, Y = number of people who went first class. You've got 2 formulas here: 250x + 1150y = 10,700 x + y = 14 Solve for x: x = (14 - y) Substitute into other equation: 250(14 - y) + 1150y = 10,700 3500 - 250y + 1150y = 10,700 3500 + 900y = 10,700 900y = 7,200 y = 8 Put back into other equation: x + 8 = 14 x = 6 And you've got 6 coach, 8 first class passengers. GL with the exam.
