x = number of packages he bought
y = number of popsicles in each package
Here are the two equations:
xy = 54
x = 3 + y
Using the substitution method, you can solve them to find x and y.
(3 + y)y = 54,
3y + y^2 = 54
y^2 + 3y - 54 = 0
Solve the quadriatic equation:
(y +9)(y - 6) = 0
y = -9, 6.
Plug y into: xy = 54
x(-9) = 54, x = -6.
x(6) = 54, x = 9.
So he bought 9 packages of popsicles, bc you can't bye -6 packages.
