Final answer:
To calculate the number of wins for the Cougars, subtract the points contributed by ties (1 point per tie) from the total points, and then divide the result by 2 points per win. The Cougars had 12 wins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject in question is Mathematics. We are dealing with a problem that involves calculating the number of wins a hockey team has based on the total points they have accumulated and the number of ties they have had.
To find the number of wins for the Cougars, we must account for the 3 ties, which contribute 3 points to the total (1 point per tie). The remaining 24 points (27 total points minus 3 points from ties) must have come from wins. As each win contributes 2 points, we can calculate the number of wins by dividing the remaining point total by 2:
Number of wins = Points from wins / Points per win = 24 points / 2 points per win = 12 wins.
Therefore, the Cougars had 12 wins.