Question

the best player on a basketball team makes 90% of all free throws. the second best player makes 85% of all free throws. the third best player makes 75% of all free throws. based on their experimental probabilities, estimate the number of free throws each player will make in his or her next 80 attempts. explain.

for the best player, the proportion that gives the estimated number of free throws is $\frac{90}{100} = \frac{x}{80}$ the best player will make about ___ free throws.

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion for top player

$\frac{90}{100} = \frac{x}{80}$

Step2: Solve for top player's makes

$x = \frac{90 \times 80}{100} = 72$

Step3: Set up proportion for 2nd player

$\frac{85}{100} = \frac{y}{80}$

Step4: Solve for 2nd player's makes

$y = \frac{85 \times 80}{100} = 68$

Step5: Set up proportion for 3rd player

$\frac{75}{100} = \frac{z}{80}$

Step6: Solve for 3rd player's makes

$z = \frac{75 \times 80}{100} = 60$

Answer:

• The best player will make 72 free throws.
• The second best player will make 68 free throws.
• The third best player will make 60 free throws.