To determine the number of players \( x \) the team can bring to the tournament, we can set up an equation based on the total amount of money raised and how that money is allocated.
The total amount raised is $1186.50. The cost of renting the bus is $842.50. The remaining money will be used for meals, which cost $21.50 per player.
First, we can calculate the amount left for meals after paying for the bus:
\[ \text{Money for meals} = \text{Total money raised} - \text{Cost of the bus} \] \[ \text{Money for meals} = 1186.50 - 842.50 = 344.00 \]
Now, since each player will cost $21.50 for meals, we can express that in an equation:
\[ 21.50x = \text{Money for meals} \]
Substituting the amount left for meals:
\[ 21.50x = 344.00 \]
To solve for \( x \):
\[ x = \frac{344.00}{21.50} \] \[ x = 16 \]
Thus, the number of players the team can bring to the tournament is \( \boxed{16} \).
Summary:
- Equation: \( 21.50x = 344.00 \)
- Answer: \( x = 16 \)