The ball cart contains \( x \) footballs. The cart contains 3 times as many basketballs as footballs. Write an equation that represents the total number of basketballs, \( y \), are in the cart.

If the ball cart contains \( x \) footballs, and it has 3 times as many basketballs as footballs, then you can represent this relationship with the equation \( y = 3x \). So, for every football in the cart, there are three basketballs waiting to bounce into action! Now, imagine this scenario in a sports store where they have to stock both footballs and basketballs. If a customer comes in looking for a bundle of both, the store manager can quickly calculate how many basketballs they need based on the number of footballs sold, using the handy equation \( y = 3x \). This makes inventory management a breeze while keeping the shelves stocked for enthusiastic athletes!