Answer:
multiple choice: 17 questions
essays: 9 questions
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that there are two variables and two sets of data in this problem, we can set up a system of equations to solve:
26 questions of multiple choice and essay:
x + y = 26, where 'x' = number of multiple choice, 'y' = number of essay
multiple choice worth 3 points, essay worth 8 points for a total of 123 points:
3x + 8y = 123
multiply the first equation by a factor of '-3' to eliminate the 'x' variable:
-3(x+ y = 26) = -3x -3y = -78
+ 3x + 8y = 123
5y = 45
y = 9
x + 9 = 26
x = 17
9 essay, 17 multiple choice
