Math Word Problems Demystified - A Self Teaching Guide

More complex equations require several steps to solve them. The goal is

to use addition and/or subtraction to get the variables on one side of the

equation and the numbers on the other side of the equation. Then divide

both sides by the number in front of the variables.

EXAMPLE:Solve forx:4xþ 10 ¼ 34

SOLUTION:

4 xþ 10 ¼ 34

4 xþ 10 
 10 ¼ 34 
10 subtract 10

4 x¼ 24

41 x

41

¼

24

4

divide by 4

x¼ 6

EXAMPLE:Solve forx:5x
 6 ¼ 3 xþ 14

SOLUTION:

5 x
 6 ¼ 3 xþ 14

5 x
 6 þ 6 ¼ 3 xþ 14 þ 6 add 6

5 x¼ 3 xþ 20

5 x
 3 x¼ 3 x
 3 xþ20 subtract 3x

2 x¼ 20

21 x

21

¼

20

2

divide by 2

x¼ 10

An equation can becheckedby substituting the solution back into the

original equation and seeing if a true equation results. To check the equation

in the previous example, substitute 10 forxin the original equation.

72 REFRESHER IV Equations