Final answer:
To solve the problem, two equations were created: A + S = 496 and S = A - 54. After substituting S in the first equation, the number of adult tickets sold was found to be 275.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find out how many adult tickets were sold for the school play, we can set up a system of equations based on the information provided. Let's denote the number of adult tickets as A and the number of student tickets as S. According to the problem, the total number of tickets sold was 496, which gives us the equation:
A + S = 496
We are also told that there were 54 fewer student tickets sold than adult tickets, leading to another equation:
S = A - 54
Now we substitute the second equation into the first to solve for A:
- A + (A - 54) = 496
- 2A - 54 = 496
- 2A = 496 + 54
- 2A = 550
- A = 275
Therefore, 275 adult tickets were sold.