Writing Equations

Vocabulary

100

Coefficient

The number that is multiplied by the variable(s) in a single term.

200

Constant

A term that does not contain any variables.

300

What is a variable? Give an example

• a quantity that may change within the context of a mathematical problem or experiment.

  • letters x, y, and z are common generic symbols used for variables. 

400

What does it mean to "find the product" of two numbers?

Multiply them

500

What does it mean to "find the quotient" of two numbers?

Divide them

Write a Sentence

100

2x = 12

Two times a number equals 12

200

x - 15 = 100

15 less than a number is 100

or

a number minus 15 is 100

300

20 = 5x + 2

20 equals 5 times a number plus 2

400

x/4 = 500

A number divided by 4 is 500

500

9 + 6 + x = 35

The sum of 9, 6, and a number equals 35

Write the Equation

100

A number minus 7 is eighty-eight

x - 7 = 88

200

The product of 12 and a number is 60

12x = 60

300

A number split in half is the same as 150

x/2 = 150

400

Ninety-nine equals the quotient of a number and 3

99 = x/3

500

The sum of 4, 8, and a number is twenty-six

4 + 8 + x = 26

Solve the Equation

100

A number plus 9 equals 45

x = 36

200

2 times a number minus five is 15

x = 10

300

27/x - 9= 0

x = 3

400

The sum of 10 and a number minus 4 equals 30

r = 24

500

Clare volunteers at a local library during the summer. Her work includes putting labels on 750 books. 

1. How many minutes will she need to finish labeling all books if she takes no breaks and labels:

   1. 10 books a minute

   2. 15 books a minute

1. 75 minutes or 1 hour and 15 minutes

2. 50 minutes

Word Problems

100

Mr. Klein has some number of markers. Ms. Gingrich has 45 markers. Together they have 100 markers. 

m + 45 = 100

Mr. Klein has 55 markers

200

You and three other friends split the cost of dinner equally. Each person ends up paying $12.00. 

d/4 = 12

300

It costs $3.50 per game to bowl. You also pay a one time fee of $4.00 for shoes. Your total was $14.50. Write an equation.

3.5b + 4 = 14.50

400

Timmy had a big bag of Reese's. He split them with his friend Billy. He then gave 10 to his girl friend. At the end of the day he had 8 Reese's left. Write an equation. 

c / 2 - 10 = 8 

500

You and a friend go on a road trip for 3 days. You spend x dollars a night for a hotel room. You also spent $8 a day on gas and $10 a day on food. You spent a total of $180. Write an equation.

3(x + 8 + 10) = 180

or simplified to 3x + 54 = 180