Are a and b two points on a line
If they are you can use the distance formula
See attached PDF. (The censor thinks there are some unseemly words in there.)
X - 3pt baskets (he reaches 3x points)
y - 2pt baskets (he reaches 2y points)
We know, that y=x+43
97 - 1 free throw = 97 - 1 = 96
Sum of points: 96
3x + 2y = 96. Substitute to "y" an expression "x+43" :
3x + 2(x+43)=96
3x+2x+86=96
5x=10 |:5
x=2
So y=x+43=2+43=45
He has made 2 three points baskets and 45 two points baskets
76
17+2=19
19×4=76
I honestly don't know, cause I hate math.