Write an equation to represent this situation. (b) Solve the equation.

a)  Call the consecutive free throws needed, x

So we have

[ 12 + x ]  / [ 15 + x ]  =  .85

b)   Multiply both sides by  15 + x

12 +  x   =  .85 ( 15 + x)     simplify

12 + x  =  12.75  + .85x      rearrange

1x - .85x   =  12.75 - 12

.15x  =  .75      divide both sides by  .15

x  = 5   [ consecutive free throws ]