This is the 14294th most frequent Russian word.
ответами
"Ответами" means "answers" (instrumental plural form).
Here, 'ответами' is used as an instrumental plural form of 'ответ' (answer), indicating the tool or means by which the condition (teacher being pleased) is achieved.
Учитель был доволен ответами студентов на экзамен.
The teacher was pleased with the students' answers on the exam.
In this sentence, 'ответами' is instrumental plural, denoting the medium (answers) used for the exchange.
Мы обменивались ответами, чтобы лучше подготовиться к контрольной работе.
We exchanged answers to better prepare for the test.
Here, 'ответами' is instrumental plural, used to specify particular objects (answers) shared or discussed.