Alright, lets get started.
Ella and kate played basketball last year.
In each game, Ella scored 16 points.
We have not given the number of games played.
So, lets suppose there are n games played last year.
So, total points of Ella will be = number of games * each game score
total points of Ella will be = n * 16 = 16 n
Kates total points for the season are 22 less than Elli's points
Means , Kates total points = 16 n - 22
This expression is similar with expression given 16 z - 22 (which is give in question)
It means z = n , means variable z means total games played in last year. : Answer
Hope it will help :)