Answer:
15 students
Explanation:
To solve this question, we can set up a system of equations.
Let's start by naming our variables.
We can call the number of students that rode in a van "x".
Then, let's name the number of students that rode a bus "y".
Knowing this, we can create two equations and then solve.
For High School A, the equation would be as follows:
12x+11y=576
For High School B, it would be:
4x+9y=384
What you have to do now, is to eliminate one of the variables.
I'm going to choose to do it with elimination, but substitution also works.
I'm going to multiply the second equation by 3, so that we can subtract the equations to eliminate the x variable.
3(4x+9y=384)
Since we're multiplying 3 to both sides, the equation will remain true.
12x+27y=1152
Now, let's subtract the other equation from this one:
12x+27y=1152
- 12x+11y=576
_____________
0x+16y=576
Our new equation is:
16y=576
Divide both sides by 16 to isolate y
y=36
This means that 36 students rode in each bus.
Let's now use this info to solve for x.
We can do this by plugging in 36 for y.
4x+9y=384
4x+9(36)=384
Simplify
4x+324=384
Subtract 324 from both sides
4x=60
Divide both sides by 4
x=15
This means that 15 students rode in each van.
As I mentioned earlier, this could have also been solved by substitution.
You would have had to isolate one variable so that one of the equations read x= something or y= something
After that, you plug that in to the other equation so you're left with only one variable.
You then simplify, and plug the value back in for the other variable.
Given the nature of this question, that would have involved working with decimals, so I chose elimination instead.
Please let me know if you have any questions!