Question

In the 1961–1962 NBA basketball season,Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors made 30 baskets. Some of the baskets were free throws (worth 1 point each) and some were field goals (worth 2 points each). The number of field goals was 10 more than the number of free throws.

If Wilt Chamberlain played 5 games during this season, what was the average number of points per game?
A. 5

B. 8

C. 10

D. 4

Answer 1

The average number of points per game Wilt Chamberlain scored during the 1961-1962 NBA season is 10. This is found by setting up equations based on the given relationships between free throws and field goals, solving for the total number of each, calculating the total points, and then dividing by the number of games.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's denote the number of free throws as F and the number of field goals as G. According to the problem, we have two equations:

• G = F + 10 (the number of field goals is 10 more than the number of free throws)
• F + G = 30 (Wilt Chamberlain made 30 baskets in total)

Now, substitute the first equation into the second equation:

F + (F + 10) = 30

2F + 10 = 30

2F = 20

F = 10

Using the value of F in the first equation to find G:

G = 10 + 10

G = 20

Now, we can calculate the total points:

• Free throws (1 point each) = 10
• Field goals (2 points each) = 20 x 2 = 40

Total points = Free throws + Field goals = 10 + 40 = 50

Since Wilt played 5 games, the average number of points per game is:

Total points / Number of games = 50 / 5 = 10

The average number of points per game Wilt Chamberlain scored is 10, making the answer (C) 10.