Model everyday situations, from inverse operations to variables on both sides.
Example 1
A fair charges $7.00 entry and $4.00 per ride. Mia spends $27.00 in total. How many rides does she take?
Show worked answer
Answer: 5
- Let x be the number of rides.
- Entry + ride costs gives 7+4x=27.
- Subtract 7:4x=20.
- Divide by 4:x=5.
- Check: $7.00+5× $4.00= $27.00.
Example 2
7 identical notebooks and a $4.00 delivery fee cost $95.00 altogether. What is the price of one notebook, in dollars?
Show worked answer
Answer: 13
- Let x be the price of one notebook in dollars.
- 7x+4=95.
- Subtract 4:7x=91.
- Divide by 7:x=13.
- Each notebook costs $13.00;
- 7× $13.00+ $4.00= $95.00.
Example 3
Kai starts with $7.00 and saves $3.00 each week. After how many weeks will Kai have $37.00?
Show worked answer
Answer: 10
- Let x be the number of weeks.
- 7+3x=37.
- Subtract 7:3x=30.
- Divide by 3:x=10.
- After 10 weeks, $7.00+10× $3.00= $37.00.