Solving Equations

What is an equation.

An equation says that two things are equal. It will have an equals sign "=" like this:

That equations says:

what is on the left (x − 2)  equals  what is on the right (4)

So an equation is like a statement " this equals that "

What is a Solution?

A Solution is a value we can put in place of a variable (such as x ) that makes the equation true .

Example: x − 2 = 4

When we put 6 in place of x we get:

which is true

So x = 6 is a solution.

How about other values for x ?

  • For x=5 we get "5−2=4" which is not true , so x=5 is not a solution .
  • For x=9 we get "9−2=4" which is not true , so x=9 is not a solution .

In this case x = 6 is the only solution.

You might like to practice solving some animated equations .

More Than One Solution

There can be more than one solution.

Example: (x−3)(x−2) = 0

When x is 3 we get:

(3−3)(3−2) = 0 × 1 = 0

And when x is 2 we get:

(2−3)(2−2) = (−1) × 0 = 0

which is also true

So the solutions are:

x = 3 , or x = 2

When we gather all solutions together it is called a Solution Set

The above solution set is: {2, 3}

Solutions Everywhere!

Some equations are true for all allowed values and are then called Identities

Example: sin(−θ) = −sin(θ) is one of the Trigonometric Identities

Let's try θ = 30°:

sin(−30°) = −0.5 and

−sin(30°) = −0.5

So it is true for θ = 30°

Let's try θ = 90°:

sin(−90°) = −1 and

−sin(90°) = −1

So it is also true for θ = 90°

Is it true for all values of θ ? Try some values for yourself!

How to Solve an Equation

There is no "one perfect way" to solve all equations.

A Useful Goal

But we often get success when our goal is to end up with:

x = something

In other words, we want to move everything except "x" (or whatever name the variable has) over to the right hand side.

Example: Solve 3x−6 = 9

Now we have x = something ,

and a short calculation reveals that x = 5

Like a Puzzle

In fact, solving an equation is just like solving a puzzle. And like puzzles, there are things we can (and cannot) do.

Here are some things we can do:

  • Add or Subtract the same value from both sides
  • Clear out any fractions by Multiplying every term by the bottom parts
  • Divide every term by the same nonzero value
  • Combine Like Terms
  • Expanding (the opposite of factoring) may also help
  • Recognizing a pattern, such as the difference of squares
  • Sometimes we can apply a function to both sides (e.g. square both sides)

Example: Solve √(x/2) = 3

And the more "tricks" and techniques you learn the better you will get.

Special Equations

There are special ways of solving some types of equations. Learn how to ...

  • solve Quadratic Equations
  • solve Radical Equations
  • solve Equations with Sine, Cosine and Tangent

Check Your Solutions

You should always check that your "solution" really is a solution.

How To Check

Take the solution(s) and put them in the original equation to see if they really work.

Example: solve for x:

2x x − 3 + 3 = 6 x − 3     (x≠3)

We have said x≠3 to avoid a division by zero.

Let's multiply through by (x − 3) :

2x + 3(x−3) = 6

Bring the 6 to the left:

2x + 3(x−3) − 6 = 0

Expand and solve:

2x + 3x − 9 − 6 = 0

5x − 15 = 0

5(x − 3) = 0

Which can be solved by having x=3

Let us check x=3 using the original question:

2 × 3 3 − 3 + 3  =   6 3 − 3

Hang On: 3 − 3 = 0 That means dividing by Zero!

And anyway, we said at the top that x≠3 , so ...

x = 3 does not actually work, and so:

There is No Solution!

That was interesting ... we thought we had found a solution, but when we looked back at the question we found it wasn't allowed!

This gives us a moral lesson:

"Solving" only gives us possible solutions, they need to be checked!

  • Note down where an expression is not defined (due to a division by zero, the square root of a negative number, or some other reason)
  • Show all the steps , so it can be checked later (by you or someone else)

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About solving equations

A value is said to be a root of a polynomial if ..

The largest exponent of appearing in is called the degree of . If has degree , then it is well known that there are roots, once one takes into account multiplicity. To understand what is meant by multiplicity, take, for example, . This polynomial is considered to have two roots, both equal to 3.

One learns about the "factor theorem," typically in a second course on algebra, as a way to find all roots that are rational numbers. One also learns how to find roots of all quadratic polynomials, using square roots (arising from the discriminant) when necessary. There are more advanced formulas for expressing roots of cubic and quartic polynomials, and also a number of numeric methods for approximating roots of arbitrary polynomials. These use methods from complex analysis as well as sophisticated numerical algorithms, and indeed, this is an area of ongoing research and development.

Systems of linear equations are often solved using Gaussian elimination or related methods. This too is typically encountered in secondary or college math curricula. More advanced methods are needed to find roots of simultaneous systems of nonlinear equations. Similar remarks hold for working with systems of inequalities: the linear case can be handled using methods covered in linear algebra courses, whereas higher-degree polynomial systems typically require more sophisticated computational tools.

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An equation is a relation which states that two expressions are equal, identical, or otherwise the same. Equations are easily identifiable because they are composed of two expressions with an equals sign ('=') between them.

Equations are similar to congruences (which relate geometric figures instead of numbers) and other relationships which fall into the category of equivalence relations .

A unique aspect to equations is the ability to modify an original equation by performing operations (such as addition , subtraction , multiplication , division , and powers ).

It's important to note the distinction between an equation and an identity . An identity in terms of some variables states that two expressions are equal for every value of those variables: for example,

$x^2 - y^2 = (x - y)(x + y)$

In other words, one can say that an identity is a tautological equation

  • 1 Solve 2 variable equations in less than 5 seconds!!!
  • 2 Word Problem AMC 8 Algebra Video
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  • 4 Linear equations
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Solve 2 variable equations in less than 5 seconds!!!

Video Link: https://youtu.be/pSYT95hSH6M

Word Problem AMC 8 Algebra Video

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Linear equations

$ax + by + cz + ... = n$

How to solve a linear equation with one variable

$ax = b$

How to solve a linear equation with multiple variables

$y-4=5x$

2. Substitute the value into the other equation and solve

$6x-(5x+4)=-4$

3. Substitute the value of x back in

$6(0)-y=-4$

Quadratic equations

A quadratic equation has a degree of two. This means that the highest exponent in the equation is exactly two.

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Solving an Equation

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Solving an Equation is a way of finding the value of an unknown variable that the equation contains. An equation is said to be balanced if it has an ‘equal to’ sign. Thus, this equation represents that it has two quantities equal on both sides. The two sides of the equation are LHS (Left hand side) and RHS (Right hand side). Class 7 students can easily solve simple linear equations by reading this article here.

For example, x – 4 = 5 is an equation. It represents that x – 4 (LHS) is equal to 5 (RHS). x is an unknown quantity or variable here. Hence, we need to solve this equation here to get the value of x.

Fact: If we interchange LHS and RHS, then the equation remains the same.

Solving an equation means finding the solution of the equation. A solution is the value of an unknown variable that can be used to verify the given equation. Let us learn in this article how to solve an equation with examples.

How to Solve an Equation?

What is an equation? An equation is a condition on a variable such that two expressions in the variable should have equal value. The value of the variable for which the equation is satisfied is called the solution of the equation.

To solve any equation we need to perform arithmetic operations, to separate the variable, such as:

  • Adding the same number on both sides
  • Subtracting same number on both sides
  • Multiplying with the same number on both sides
  • Dividing by same number on both the sides

Based on these operations, we can isolate the given variable in the equation and solve any equations. The solution so obtained will justify the equation. Let us solve some examples to understand better.

Solved Examples

Example 1: Solve 3 + x = 4

Solution: Given, the equation is;

We can see, on the Left hand side, the variable x is present. Thus, we need to make the variable ‘x’ alone on LHS. Thus, by subtracting the 3 from LHS and RHS we get;

3 + x – 3 = 4 – 3

Hence, the solution is x = 1.

Verification:

Taking LHS and proving it equal to RHS.

LHS = 3 + x = 3 + 1 = 4 = RHS

Hence, verified.

Example: 2: Solve x – 9 = 0.

x – 9 = 0

On the left hand side of the equation, the variable x is present, for which we need to find the solution. Thus, adding 9 on both sides of the equation, we get;

x – 9 + 9 = 0 + 9

Hence, the solution is x = 9.

Verification: To verify our solution, we have to put the value obtained for x into the given equation.

LHS = x – 9 = 9 – 9 = 0 = RHS

Note: Adding or subtracting a value on both the sides means the changing side of the value. Changing sides is called . While transposing a number, we change its sign

Example 3: Solve 3x = 21.

Solution: Given, the equation is:

Since, x is multiplied by 3 in the left hand side of the equation, thus, we have to perform a division here to remove 3. Thus, dividing both sides by 3, we get;

(3x)/3 = 21/3

x = 7 (Since, 3 × 7 = 21)

Hence, the required solution is x = 7.

Verification: Put x = 7 on the LHS of the given equation.

LHS = 3x = 3 × 7 = 21 = RHS

Thus, verified.

Example 4: Solve the following equation: x/5 = 2 .

In this equation, the LHS side has the variable x which is divided by 5. Thus, we need to make the variable alone on the left hand side.

So, multiplying the equation by 5 on both sides, we get;

(x/5) × 5 = 2 × 5

Hence, the required solution is x = 10.

Put x = 10 in the LHS of the equation x/5 = 2, to get the value equal to RHS.

LHS = x/5 = 10/5 = 2 = RHS

Example 5: Solve 2x + 6 = 12 and verify your answer.

Solution: Given ,the equation is:

2x + 6 = 12

Subtract 6 on both sides of the equation.

2x + 6 – 6 = 12 – 6

Now, divide both sides by 2.

(2x/2) = 6/2

Hence, the required solution is 6.

Taking the LHS, we have

LHS = 2x + 6

Now putting the value of x = 6, we get;

LHS = 2 (3) + 6

Solving an Equation with More Than One Solution

In your higher classes, you will learn to solve equations with two or more solutions. Let us take an example of a simple equation.

Example: (x – 2) (x – 5) = 0

In this case, the variable x will have two solutions.

X – 2 = 0

X – 5 = 0

Thus, the two solutions are x = 2 and x = 5.

An equation having a degree of variable equal to 2 (variable raised to the power such as x²) is called a quadratic equation . We generally use the quadratic formula to solve such equations. Also, sometimes we can use the factorisation method to solve the equation with two solutions.

Solving Equations With Fractions

If an equation has fractions, then we have to make the fractions as like fractions first and then solve it for variables. To convert fractions into like fractions means we need to make the denominators of the fractions the same, by using the LCM method. Let us solve an example to understand it.

Example: Solve ⅛ x +½ = ¼.

As we can see, in the given equation, both left and right hand sides have fractions present. We need to solve the equation for x.

Since, all the three fractions i.e., ⅛, ½ and ¼ are unlike (denominators are not same)

Thus, finding the LCM (Least common multiple) of denominators we have;

LCM (2, 4, 8) = 8

Now multiply both sides of the equation by 8, to get;

8 (⅛ x +½) = 8 (¼)

8.(⅛ x) + 8.(½) = 8.¼

Now, we subtract 4 from both sides, to get;

X + 4 – 4 = 2 – 4

Hence, the required solution is x = -2.

Verification:Let us check if the solution obtained is correct or not.

The equation is ⅛ x +½ = ¼.

Put x = -2, on the LHS.

LHS = ⅛ x +½

= ⅛ (-2) + ½

Word Problem On Solving an Equation

Problem: The sum of three times a number and 11 is 32. Find the number.

Solution: Let the number be x.

As per the given equation,

Sum of three times a number and 11 = 32

3x + 11 = 32

Now we need to solve the above equation for x.

Subtract the equation from 11 on both sides, to get;

3x + 11 – 11 = 32 – 11

Now divide the equation by 3 on both sides.

3x/3 = 21/3

Hence, the required number is 7.

Frequently Asked Questions on Solving an Equation

What do you mean by solving an equation.

Solving an equation means finding the solution for the unknown variable present in the equation.

What are the four steps involved in solving an equation?

To solve an equation, we can perform the four arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

What is the transposition of a number in an equation?

Transposing means moving and changing a sign from one side to the other (from LHS to RHS or vice versa). For example, addition on LHS transposes to subtraction on RHS. Similarly, multiplication on one side changes to division on the other. This process is called transposition.

How to solve equations in a simple way?

While solving the equation we need to simply check if the equation is balanced or not. Equation is like a balanced scale that has both its sides equal. Thus, perform the operations in such a way that the balance of the equation is not disturbed.

What is the solution of x + 5 = 2x?

If both the sides have a variable, then we need to bring the variable on one side of the equation. Thus, subtracting x from both sides, we get; X + 5 – x = 2x – x 5 = x or x = 5 Thus, the required solution is x = 5.

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Two-Step Equations Exercises

Two-step equations practice problems with answers.

Hone your skills in solving two-step equations because it will serve as your foundation when solving multi-step equations. I prepared eight (8) two-step equations problems with complete solutions to get you rolling.

My advice is for you to solve them by hand using a pencil or pen and paper. Believe me, you get the most benefit from this exercise by doing it yourself first before looking at the solution set.

If by any chance you get stuck or don’t know what to do next, please feel free to review my other lesson about two-step equations. Click the link below to get there. Enjoy!

link to the two-step equations lesson

Solving Two-Step Equations

1) Solve the two-step equation for [latex]g[/latex].

[latex]2g – 4 = 6[/latex]

Add both sides by [latex]4[/latex] then divide both sides by [latex]2[/latex].

2) Solve the two-step equation for [latex]x[/latex].

[latex]2x + 15 = – 3x[/latex]

Subtract both sides by [latex]2x[/latex]. Finally, divide both sides of the equation by [latex]-5[/latex].

3) Solve the two-step equation for [latex]k[/latex].

[latex]{\Large{{k \over 4}}} – 7 = – 5[/latex]

Add both sides by [latex]7[/latex]; followed by multiplying both sides by [latex]4[/latex].

4) Solve the two-step equation for [latex]m[/latex].

[latex]{\Large{{{m + 9} \over 5}}} = {\large{2}}[/latex]

Multiply [latex]5[/latex] on both sides then subtract by [latex]9[/latex] on both sides of the equation as well.

5) Solve the equation for [latex]y[/latex].

[latex]0 = – 1 – y[/latex]

Add [latex]1[/latex] to both sides of the equation. Notice that the coefficient of [latex]-y[/latex] is [latex]-1[/latex]. That means, we should divide both sides by [latex]-1[/latex] to isolate and therefore solve for [latex]y[/latex].

6) Solve the equation for [latex]r[/latex].

[latex] – 3\left( {r – 7} \right) = – 24[/latex]

First, divide both sides of the equation by [latex]-3[/latex] then add by [latex]7[/latex].

7) Solve the equation for [latex]z[/latex].

[latex]{\Large{5 \over 4}}z + {\Large{3 \over 4}}z = 1[/latex]

8) Solve the equation for [latex]x[/latex].

[latex]4.25 – 0.25x = 3.75[/latex]

You may also be interested in these related math lessons or tutorials:

Multi-Step Equations Practice Problems with Answers

Problem solving with equations

Solving a task usually consists of finding the value of some quantity by logical reasoning and calculations. For example, find the speed, time, distance, mass of an object, or amount of something.

Such a task can be solved by using an equation. To do this, the desired value is denoted by a variable, then by logical reasoning the equation is composed and solved. After solving the equation, you check to see if the solution to the equation satisfies the conditions of the task.

Writing expressions containing the unknown

The solution of the task is accompanied by the composition of the equation to this task. At the initial stage of studying tasks it is desirable to learn to make up letter expressions describing this or that situation in life. This stage is not complicated and can be studied in the process of solving the task itself.

Consider a few situations that can be written down using a mathematical expression.

Task 1. The father is x years old. Mom is two years younger. The son is three times younger than the father. Write the age of each using expressions.

age of mother's father and son table 1

Task 2. Father is x years old, mother is 2 years younger than father. Son is 3 times younger than father, daughter is 3 times younger than mother. Write the age of each using expressions.

age of the father of the mother of the son and daughter table 2

Task 3. Father is x years old, mother is 3 years younger than father. The son is 3 times younger than the father, the daughter is 3 times younger than the mother. How old are each of them if the total age of the father, mother, son, and daughter is 92?

In this task, in addition to writing down the expressions, we need to calculate the age of each family member.

First, write down the age of each family member using expressions. We will take the age of the father as the variable x, and then use that variable to make the rest of the expressions:

age of the father of the mother of the son and daughter table 3

Now let's determine the age of each family member. To do this, we need to make and solve an equation. We have all the components of the equation ready. The only thing left to do is to put them together.

The total age of 92 was obtained by adding the ages of the father, mother, son and daughter:

father + mother + son + daughter = 92

For each age, we made up a mathematical expression. These expressions will be the components of our equation. Let's assemble our equation according to this diagram and the table above. That is, replace the words father, mother, son, daughter with their corresponding expression in the table:

age of father of mother of son and daughter equation 1

The expression corresponding to mom's age x - 3 was put in brackets for clarity.

Now let's solve the resulting equation. To begin with, you can open the brackets where you can:

age of father of mother of son and daughter equation 2

To free the equation from fractions, multiply both parts by 3

age of father of mother of son and daughter equation 3

Solve the resulting equation using the known identity transformations:

age of father of mother of son and daughter equation 4

We found the value of variable x. This variable was responsible for the age of the father. So the age of the father is 36 years old.

Knowing the age of the father, we can calculate the ages of the other family members. To do this, substitute the value of variable x in those expressions that correspond to the age of a particular family member.

The task said that my mother is 3 years younger than my father. We denoted her age by the expression x - 3. The value of the variable x is now known, and to calculate mom's age, substitute the found value 36 instead of x in the expression x - 3

x - 3 = 36 - 3 = 33 years old mom.

The age of the other family members is determined similarly:

age of the father of the mother of the son and daughter table 4

Task 4. A kilogram of caviar costs x dollars. Write an expression that calculates how many kilograms of caviar you can buy for $300.

300 * x

Task 5. x dollars was used to buy 5 kilograms of strawberries. Write an expression that calculates how many dollars one kilogram of strawberries costs.

x * 5

Task 6. Tom, John, and Leo went to the cafeteria during recess and bought a large pizza and a glass of fresh juice. The large pizza cost x dollars and the coffee cost $15. Determine the cost of the pizza if you know that $120 was paid for everything?

Of course, this task is simple and can be solved without resorting to an equation. To do this, subtract the cost of three glasses of juice from $120 (15 × 3), and divide the result by 3

the cost of sandwiches and coffee a simple solution

But our goal is to make an equation to the task and solve this equation. So, the cost of a large pizza is x dollars. Only three of them were bought. So if we increase the cost by three times, we get an expression describing how many dollars were paid for the three large pizzas.

3x — the cost of three large pizzas

And the cost of three glasses of juice can be written as 15 × 3. 15 is the cost of one glass of juice, and 3 is the multiplier (Tom, John, and Leo) that triples that cost.

Under the terms of the task, $120 is paid for everything. We already have an approximate scheme of what needs to be done:

Cost of three large pizzas + cost of three glasses of fresh juice = $120

The expressions describing the cost of three pizzas and three glasses of juice are ready. These are expressions 3x and 15 × 3. Use the scheme to make an equation and solve it:

cost of sandwiches and coffee solution to the problem

So, the cost of one large pizza is $25.

The task is solved correctly only if the equation to it is written correctly. Unlike ordinary equations by which we learn to find the roots, problem-solving equations have their own specific application. Each component of such an equation can be described in verbal form. When making an equation, it is imperative that we understand why we are including one component or another and why it is needed.

You must also remember that after solving the equation, the left-hand side will have to equal the right-hand side. The equation composed must not contradict this idea.

Let's imagine that the equation is a scale with two bowls and a screen showing the state of the scale.

scales

At this point, the screen shows an equal sign. It is clear why the left bowl is equal to the right bowl - there is nothing on the scales. The state of the scales and the absence of anything on the bowls will be recorded with the following equality:

Put a watermelon on the left side of the scale:

watermelon scales on the left bowl

The left bowl outweighed the right bowl and the screen sounded an alarm, showing a not equal sign ( ≠ ). This sign indicates that the left bowl is not equal to the right bowl.

Now let's try to solve the problem. Let's find out how much the watermelon on the left bowl weighs. But how can we find this out? Our scales are only for checking if the left bowl is equal to the right one.

Equations come to the rescue. Recall that an equation contains a variable whose value must be found. The scale in this case is the equation itself, and the mass of the watermelon is the variable, the value of which needs to be found. Our goal is to get this equation right. That is, to align the scales so that we can calculate the mass of the watermelon.

To level the scales, we can put some heavy object on the right-hand bowl. For example, let's put a weight of 7 kilograms there.

watermelon scales on the left side and a 7 kg weight on the right side

Now the right bowl outweighs the left bowl. The screen still shows that the bowls are not equal.

Let's try to put a weight of 4 kg on the left bowl

Watermelon on the left-hand scale and a 4 kg weight on the right-hand scale and a 7 kg weight on the right-hand scale

Now the scales are aligned. In the picture you can see that the left bowl is at the level of the right bowl. And the screen shows an equal sign. This sign says that the left bowl is equal to the right bowl.

So we got an equation - an equality that contains the unknown. The left bowl is the left side of the equation, consisting of the components 4 and the variable x (watermelon mass), and the right bowl is the right side of the equation, consisting of the component 7.

Watermelon on the left-hand scale and a 4 kg weight on the right-hand scale and a 7 kg weight on the right-hand scale

Well, it's not hard to guess that the root of the equation 4 + x = 7 is 3. So the mass of the watermelon is 3 kg.

The same is true for the other tasks. To find some unknown value, various elements are added to the left or right side of the equation: terms, multipliers, expressions. In school tasks, these elements may already be given. All that remains is to structure them correctly and construct the equation. In this example, we were trying weights of different weights to calculate the mass of the watermelon.

Naturally, the data given in the task must first be reduced to a form in which they can be included in the equation.

Consider the following task. The father's age is equal to the age of the son and daughter together. The son is twice as old as the daughter and twenty years younger than the father. How old are each?

The daughter's age can be denoted by x. If the son is twice as old as the daughter, his age will be denoted by 2x. The condition of the problem says that together the age of the daughter and the son are equal to the age of the father. So the father's age will be denoted by the sum x + 2x

father and son and daughter age scales table

In the expression x + 2x you can give like terms. Then the age of the father will be denoted as 3x

Now let's make an equation. We need to get an equation where we can find the unknown x. Let's use weights. On the left hand side put the age of the father (3x), and on the right hand side put the age of the son (2x)

father and son age scales

It is clear why the left bowl outweighs the right and why the screen shows the sign ( ≠ ). After all, it is logical that the age of the father is greater than the age of the son.

But we need to equalize the scales to be able to calculate the unknown x. To do this we need to add some number to the right-hand scale. What exact number is given in the task. The condition said that the son is 20 years younger than his father. So 20 years is the number to put on the scale.

The scales will even out if we add these 20 years to the right side of the scale. In other words, raise the son to the age of the father.

scales father's and son's age plus 20 years on the left hand side

Now the scales are aligned. We got the equation 3x = 2x + 20, which is easy to solve:

2x + 20 = 3x Solution

At the beginning of this task, we used the variable x to represent our daughter's age. Now we found the value of this variable. The daughter is 20 years old.

Next, it was said that the son is two years older than the daughter, so the son is (20 × 2), that is, 40 years old.

Finally, let's calculate the age of the father. It was said in the problem that he is equal to the sum of the ages of the son and daughter, that is, (20 + 40) years old.

2x + 20 = 3x Solution

Let's return to the middle of the task and note one point. When we put the age of the father and the age of the son on the scale, the left cup outweighed the right

But we solved this problem by adding another 20 years to the right-hand scale. As a result, the scales aligned and we got the equality 3x = 2x + 20

problem solving to equation

But we could not add those 20 years to the right cup, but subtract them from the left. We would have obtained equality and in that case

scales father and son age minus 20 years on the other side

This time you get the equation 3x -20 = 2x. The root of the equation is still 20

3x - 20 = 2x Solution

That is, the equations 3x = 2x + 20 and 3x -20 = 2x are equipotent. And we remember that equal equations have the same roots. If you look closely at these two equations, you can see that the second equation is obtained by moving the number 20 from the right side to the left side with the opposite sign. And this action, as stated in the previous lesson, does not change the roots of the equation.

Also note that at the beginning of the task, the ages of each family member could be given by other expressions.

x second

Let's solve this equation

x plus 20 = x plus x * 2 Solution

In other words, the task can be solved by different methods. So you should not be discouraged if you cannot solve a particular problem. But you should keep in mind that there are the easiest ways to solve the problem. It is possible to get to the city center by different routes, but there is always the most convenient, fastest and safest route.

Examples of problem solving

Task 1. There are a total of 30 notebooks in two packs. If two notebooks were moved from the first stack to the second stack, the first stack would contain twice as many notebooks as the second stack. How many notebooks were in each pack?

Denote by x the number of notebooks that were in the first stack. If the total number of notebooks was 30, and the variable x is the number of notebooks in the first stack, then the number of notebooks in the second stack will be denoted by the expression 30 - x. That is, from the total number of notebooks we subtract the number of notebooks in the first stack, and thus we obtain the number of notebooks in the second stack.

a table of the number of notebooks in the first and second packs

Further it is said that if you move two notebooks from the first pack to the second pack, there will be twice as many notebooks in the first pack. So let's remove two notebooks from the first stack

the number of notebooks in the first and second packs we construct equation 2

and add these two notebooks to the second pack

the number of notebooks in the first and second packs we construct equation 3

The expressions from which we will compose the equation now take the following form:

table 2 number of notebooks in the first and second packs

Let's try to make an equation out of the available expressions. Put both stacks of notebooks on the scales

scales number of notebooks in the first and second pack

The left bowl is heavier than the right one. This is because the problem statement says that after taking two notebooks from the first stack and putting them into the second stack, the number of notebooks in the first stack became twice as many as in the second stack.

To equalize the scales and get the equation, let's double the right-hand side. To do this, multiply it by 2

scales number of notebooks in the first and second pack of Fig. 2

We obtain the equation x-2 = 2(30 - x +2) . Solve this equation:

x minus 2 = 2 * 0 minus x plus 2 Solution

We denoted the first packet by the variable x. Now we have found its value. The variable x is 22. So there were 22 notebooks in the first stack.

And we denoted the second tutu by the expression 30 - x, and since the value of the variable x is now known, we can calculate the number of notebooks in the second tutu. It is equal to 30 - 22, i.e. 8 pieces.

Task 2. Two people were peeling potatoes. One peeled two potatoes per minute and the other peeled three potatoes. Together they peeled 400 pieces. How long did each work, if the second worked 25 minutes longer than the first?

Denote by x the time the first person worked. Since the second person worked 25 minutes longer than the first person, his time will be denoted by x + 25

The first worker peeled 2 potatoes per minute, and since he worked x minutes, he peeled a total of 2x potatoes.

The second person peeled three potatoes per minute, and since he worked x + 25 minutes, he peeled a total of 3(x + 25) potatoes.

Together they peeled 400 potatoes

table two people peeled potatoes

From the available components let us make and solve the equation. The left side of the equation will be the potatoes peeled by each person, and the right side will be their sum:

2x plus 3x plus 75 = 400 Solution

At the beginning of this task, we used the variable x to denote the working time of the first person. Now we found the value of this variable. The first person worked for 65 minutes.

And the second person worked x + 25 minutes, and since the value of the variable x is now known, we can calculate the working time of the second person - it is 65 + 25, that is, 90 minutes.

The task from the Russian algebra textbook . (Their currency is rubles and kopecks (like dollars and cents))

Of the varieties of tea is a mixture of 32 kg. A kilogram of the first grade costs 8 rubles, and the second grade 6 rubles. 50 kop. How many kilos of both varieties, if a kilo of mixture costs (no profit and loss) 7 rubles. 10 kop.

Denote by x the mass of first grade tea. Then the mass of second grade tea will be denoted by the expression 32 - x

table 1 weight of first and second grade teas

A kilogram of first grade tea costs 8 rubles. If you multiply these eight rubles by the number of kilograms of first grade tea, you can find out how many rubles it cost x kilograms of first grade tea.

A kg of second class tea costs 6 roubles. 50 kopecks. If the price is 6 rubles. 50 kopecks times 32 - x, we will find out how much it cost 32 - x kg of tea of the second sort.

The condition says that a kilogram of mixture costs 7 rubles. 10 kopecks. All in all 32 kg of the mixture were produced. Multiply 7 rubles. 10 kopecks by 32 we can find out how much 32 kg of the mixture costs.

The expressions from which we will make the equation now take the following form:

Table 2 cost of first and second grade teas

Let's try to make an equation out of the available expressions. Let's put the cost of mixtures of first and second grade teas on the left scale, and on the right scale let's put the cost of 32 kg of mixture, i.e. the total cost of the mixture, which includes both varieties of tea:

scales the cost of first and second grade tea

We get the equation 8x + 6.50(32 - x) = 7.10 * 32 . Let's solve it:

8x plus 650 * 32 minus x = 710 * 32 Solution

At the beginning of this task, we used the variable x to denote the mass of the first grade tea. Now we have found the value of this variable. The variable x is 12.8. This means that 12.8 kg of first grade tea was used to make the mixture.

We have used the expression 32 - x to represent the mass of second-grade tea, and since the value of the variable x is now known, we can calculate the mass of second-grade tea. It is 32 - 12.8, i.e. 19.2. This means that 19.2 kg of second grade tea were used to prepare the mixture.

Seven point one two

Some tasks may involve topics that a person may not have studied. This task is one of those tasks. It touches on the concepts of distance, speed, and time. Accordingly, to solve such a problem, it is necessary to have an idea of the things mentioned in the problem. In our case, it is necessary to know what represents distance, speed and time.

In the task we need to find the distances of the two roads. We have to make an equation that will allow us to calculate these distances.

Let's remember how distance, speed, and time are interrelated. Each of these quantities can be described using a letter equation:

distance speed time in the picture

We will use the right side of one of these equations to make our own equation. To find out which one, go back to the text of the problem and pay attention to the following point:

t = s * v

Now let's make an equation out of the available expressions

scales two distances on the bowls

Through the variable S we denoted the distance of the first road. Now we have found the value of this variable. The variable S is 15. So the distance of the first road is 15 km.

And the distance of the second road is S + 3. Since the value of the variable S is now known, we can calculate the distance of the second road. This distance is equal to the sum of 15 + 3, that is 18 km.

Task 4. Two cars walk along the highway at the same speed. If the first increases the speed by 10 km/h, and the second decreases the speed by 10 km/h, then the first car will pass the same distance in 2 h as the second car did in 3 h. At what speed are the cars traveling?

Denote by v the speed of each car. Further in the problem there are hints: increase the speed of the first car by 10 km/h, and decrease the speed of the second car by 10 km/h. Let us use this hint

v plus 10 v minus 10

Further it is said that at such speeds (increased and decreased by 10 km/h) the first car will cover the same distance in 2 hours as the second car did in 3 hours. The phrase "as much" can be understood as "the distance traveled by the first car will be equal to the distance traveled by the second car" .

The distance, as we remember, is determined by the formula S = vt. We are interested in the right part of this letter equation - it will allow us to make an equation containing the variable v.

So, at speed v + 10 km/h, the first car will travel 2(v+10) km and the second car will travel 3(v - 10) km. Under this condition, the cars will travel the same distance, so it is sufficient to connect the two expressions with an equal sign to obtain the equation. Then we obtain the equation 2(v+10) = 3(v - 10). Solve it:

2v plus 20 = 3v minus 30 step 1

In the task condition it was said that the cars go at the same speed. We denoted this speed by the variable v. Now we have found the value of this variable. The variable v is 50. So the speed of both cars was 50 km/h.

Task 5. In 9 hours along the river the ship travels the same distance as in 11 hours against the stream. Find the boat's own speed if the speed of the river flow is 2 km/h.

Denote by v the boat's own speed. The speed of the river flow is 2 km/h. The speed of the ship along the river will be v + 2 km/h, and against the current - (v - 2) km/h.

The statement of the task says that the boat takes the same distance in 9 hours upstream as it took 11 hours upstream. The phrase "the same distance" can be understood as "the distance traveled by the ship upstream in 9 hours is equal to the distance traveled by the ship against the river in 11 hours". That is, the distances will be the same.

The distance is determined by the formula S = vt. Let's use the right part of this letter equation to make our own equation.

So, the boat will travel 9(v + 2) km in 9 hours upstream, and 11(v - 2) km in 11 hours upstream. Since both expressions describe the same distance, let's equate the first expression to the second one. The resulting equation is 9(v + 2) = 11(v - 2) 

9v plus 18 = 11v minus 22 Solution

So the proper speed of the motorboat is 20 km/h.

When solving tasks, it is a useful habit to determine in advance on which set the solution is sought.

Suppose that in the task we needed to find the time in which the pedestrian travels the specified path. We denoted the time by the variable t, then made an equation containing this variable and found its value.

We know from practice that the time of motion of an object can take both integer and fractional values, for example 2 h, 1.5 h, and 0.5 h. Then we can say that the solution of this problem is searched for on the set of rational numbers Q, because each value of 2 h, 1.5 h, 0.5 h can be represented as a fraction.

So after you denote an unknown quantity by a variable, it is useful to specify which set this quantity belongs to. In our example, time t belongs to the set of rational numbers Q

You can also introduce a restriction for the variable t, stating that it can only take positive values. Indeed, if an object has spent a certain amount of time on the path, then this time cannot be negative. Therefore next to the expression t ∈ Q we specify that its value must be greater than zero:

t  ∈  R , t  > 0

If by solving the equation we get a negative value for the variable t, then we can conclude that the problem is solved incorrectly, because this solution will not satisfy the condition t ∈ Q, t > 0.

Another example. If we were solving a task that required us to find the number of people to do a particular job, we would denote this number by the variable x. In such a task the solution would be searched for on the set of natural numbers

x  ∈ N

Indeed, the number of people is a whole number, e.g., 2 people, 3 people, 5 people. But not 1.5 (one whole person and half a person) or 2.3 (two whole persons and three tenths of a person).

Here we could specify that the number of people must be greater than zero, but the numbers included in the set of natural numbers N are themselves positive and greater than zero. In this set there are no negative numbers and no number 0. Therefore the expression x > 0 can be omitted. 

Task 6. A team of 2.5 times as many painters as carpenters arrived to repair a school. Soon the foreman added four more painters to the brigade, and transferred two carpenters to another site. As a result, there were four times as many painters as carpenters in the brigade. How many painters and how many carpenters were in the brigade originally

Denote by x the carpenters who arrived initially for repairs.

The number of carpenters is an integer greater than zero. Therefore let us specify that x belongs to the set of natural numbers

x  ∈ N

There were 2.5 times more painters than carpenters. Therefore, the number of painters will be denoted as 2.5x.

the number of carpenters x and the number of painters is two and a half times larger

It goes on to say that the foreman included four more painters in the crew, and transferred two carpenters to another site. Let's do the same for our expressions. Reduce the number of carpenters by 2

The number of carpenters is reduced by 2

And the number of painters will increase by 4

The number of carpenters is reduced by 4

Now the number of carpenters and painters will be denoted by the following expressions:

table new number of carpenters and painters

Let's try to make an equation out of the available expressions:

scales number of carpenters and painters

The right bowl is larger because after adding four more painters to the brigade and moving two carpenters to another site, the number of painters in the brigade is 4 times more than the number of carpenters. To equalize the scales, you need to quadruple the left bowl:

scales number of carpenters and painters equal bowls

The variable x was used to represent the original number of carpenters. Now we have found the value of this variable.  The variable x is equal to 8. So there were 8 carpenters in the team originally.

The number of painters was expressed as 2.5x, and since the value of the variable x is now known, we can calculate the number of painters, which is 2.5 × 8, that is, 20.

Go back to the beginning of the task and make sure that the condition x ∈ N is satisfied. The variable x is 8, and the elements of the set of natural numbers N are all numbers starting with 1, 2, 3 and so on to infinity. The same set includes the number 8, which we found.

8  ∈ N

The same can be said of the number of painters. The number 20 belongs to the set of natural numbers:

20  ∈ N

To understand the essence of the task and to correctly compose the equation, it is not necessary to use the model of scales with bowls. You can use other models: segments, tables, diagrams. You can come up with your own model, which would describe the essence of the task well.

Task 9. 30% of the milk was poured out of the can. This left 14 liters of milk in the can. How many liters of milk was in the can originally?

We need to find the original number of liters in the can. Let's represent the number of liters as a line and sign this line as X

x liters in the canister figure 1

It is said that 30% of the milk was poured out of the beaker. Let's draw an approximate figure of 30%

x liters in the canister figure 2

A percentage is, by definition, one hundredth of something. If 30% of the milk is poured, the other 70% is left in the can. This 70% is the 14 liters in the problem. Let's draw a picture of the remaining 70%

x liters in the canister figure 3

Now you can make an equation. Recall how to find the percentage of a number. To do this, the total amount of something is divided by 100 and the result is multiplied by the number of percentages you are looking for. Note that 14 liters, which is 70 percent, can be obtained in the same way: the original number of liters X divided by 100 and the result multiplied by 70. Equate all this to the number 14

x * 100 * 70 = 14

Or get a simpler equation: write 70% as 0.70, then multiply by X and equate that expression to 14

x * 100 * 70 = 14 otherwise Solution

So originally there were 20 liters of milk in the can.

Task 9. Two alloys of gold and silver are taken. One has the quantity of these metals in the ratio of 1 : 9, and the other 2 : 3. How much of each alloy do you need to take to get 15 kg of a new alloy in which the gold and silver would be 1 : 4?

Let's first try to find out how much gold and silver will be contained in 15 kg of the new alloy. The task says that the content of these metals should be 1 : 4, that is, one part of the alloy should contain gold, and four parts should contain silver. Then the total number of parts in the alloy will be 1 + 4 = 5, and the mass of one part will be 15 : 5 = 3 kg.

Let's determine how much gold is contained in 15 kg of the alloy. To do this, multiply 3 kg by the number of parts of gold:

3 kg × 1 = 3 kg

Let's determine how much silver will be contained in 15 kg of alloy:

3 kg × 4 = 12 kg

So an alloy with a mass of 15 kg will contain 3 kg of gold and 12 kg of silver. Now let's go back to the original alloys. We have to use each of them. Denote by x the mass of the first alloy, and the mass of the second alloy can be denoted by 15 - x

plate x and 15 minus x

Express in percentages all the ratios given in the problem and fill in the following table with them:

table three alloys figure 1

Let's transfer these data to the table. Let's enter 10% in the first line in the column "percentage of gold in the alloy" , 90% in the first line in the column "percentage of silver in the alloy" , and in the last column "mass of the alloy" we will enter the variable x, because that is how we designated the mass of the first alloy:

table three alloys figure 2

Let's transfer these data to the table. Let's enter 40% in the second line in the column "percentage of gold in the alloy", 60% in the second line in the column "percentage of silver in the alloy", and in the last column "mass of the alloy" let's enter the expression 15 - x, because that is how we denoted the mass of the second alloy:

table three alloys figure 3

Now you can use this table to make equations. Recall the tasks of concentration, alloys, and mixtures . If we separately add up the gold of both alloys and equate this sum to the mass of gold of the resulting alloy, we can find out what the value of x equals.

Further, for convenience we will express percentages in decimals.

The first alloy had 0.10x gold and the second alloy had 0.40(15 - x) gold. Then the mass of gold in the resulting alloy will be the sum of the masses of gold of the first and second alloys and this mass is 20% of the new alloy. And 20% of the new alloy is 3 kg of gold, calculated earlier. The resulting equation is 0.10x + 0.40(15 - x) = 3 . Let us solve this equation:

010x plus 040 * 15 - x = 3 Solution

Initially we denoted by x the mass of the first alloy. Now we have found the value of this variable. The variable x is 10. And the mass of the second alloy we denoted by 15 - x, and since the value of the variable x is now known, we can calculate the mass of the second alloy, it is equal to 15 - 10 = 5 kg.

So in order to obtain a new alloy with a mass of 15 kg in which gold and silver would be 1 : 4, we would have to take 10 kg of the first alloy and 5 kg of the second alloy.

The equation could also be made using the second column of the resulting table. Then we would get the equation 0.90x + 0.60(15 - x) = 12 . The root of this equation is also 10.

090x plus 060 * 15 minus x = 12 Solution

Task 10. There is an ore from two layers with copper grades of 6% and 11%. How much poor ore must be taken to get 20 tons with a copper content of 8% when mixed with the rich ore?

Denote by x the mass of poor ore. Since 20 tons of ore are to be obtained, 20 - x will be taken from the rich ore. Since the copper content in the poor ore is 6%, x tons of ore will contain 0.06x tons of copper. The rich ore has a copper content of 11%, and 20 - x tons of rich ore will contain 0.11(20 - x) tons of copper.

The resulting 20 tons of ore should have a copper content of 8%. This means that 20 tons of ore will contain 20 × 0.08 = 1.6 tons of copper.

Add 0.06x and 0.11(20 - x) and equate the sum to 1.6. We obtain the equation 0.06x + 0.11(20 - x) = 1.6

006x plus 011 * 20 minus x = 16

Let's solve this equation:

006x plus 011 * 20 minus x = 16 Solution

So, to get 20 tons of ore with 8% copper content, you need to take 12 tons of poor ore. The rich ore will be taken 20 - 12 = 8 tons.

Task 11. By increasing the average speed from 250 to 300 meters/minute, the athlete began to run the distance 1 minute faster. What is the length of the distance?

The length of the course (or distance of the course) can be described by the following letter equation:

distance formula figure for the problem

Let's use the right side of this equation to make our own equation. Initially, the athlete ran the distance at a speed of 250 meters per minute. At this speed, the length of the course would be described by the expression 250t

Then, the athlete increased her speed to 300 metres per minute. At this speed, the length of the course would be described by the expression 300t

Note that the length of the course is a constant. Whether the athlete increases her speed or decreases it, the length of the distance will remain the same.

This allows us to equate 250t with 300t, since both describe the same length.

250 t = 300 t

But the problem says that at a speed of 300 meters per minute, the athlete began to run the distance 1 minute faster. In other words, at 300 meters per minute, the running time will decrease by one. Therefore, in the equation 250t = 300t on the right hand side, the time should be reduced by one:

250t = 300 t - 1 Solution

We get the simplest equation. Let's solve it:

250t = 300 t - 1 Solution

At a speed of 250 meters per minute, the athlete runs the distance in 6 minutes. Knowing the speed and time, you can determine the length of the course:

S = 250 × 6 = 1500 m

And at 300 meters per minute, the athlete runs the distance in t - 1, that is, in 5 minutes. As stated earlier, the length of the distance does not change:

S  = 300 × 5 = 1500 m

Task 12. A rider catches up with a pedestrian 15 km ahead of him. In how many hours will the rider catch up with the pedestrian, if the first rides 10 km every hour and the second rides only 4 km?

This task is a motion task . It can be solved by determining the speed of approach and dividing the initial distance between the rider and the pedestrian by that speed.

The speed of convergence is determined by subtracting the slower speed from the faster speed:

10 km/h - 4 km/h = 6 km/h (approach speed)

With each hour, the distance of 15 kilometers will decrease by 6 kilometers. To find out when it is completely shortened (when the rider catches up with the pedestrian), divide 15 by 6

15 : 6 = 2,5 h

2.5 hours is two whole hours and a half hour. And half an hour is 30 minutes. So the rider will catch up with the pedestrian in two hours and 30 minutes.

rider catches up with pedestrian figure 1

Let's solve this problem using an equation.

Assume that the pedestrian and the rider set out from the same place. The pedestrian left before the rider and managed to cover 15 km

rider catches up with pedestrian figure 2

After that, the rider followed him on the road at a speed of 10 km/h. The speed of the pedestrian is only 4 km/h. This means that in some time the rider will catch up with the pedestrian. We need to find this time.

When the rider catches up with the pedestrian it will mean that they have traveled the same distance together. The distance traveled by the rider and the pedestrian is described by the following equation:

Let us use the right side of this equation to make our own equation.

The distance traveled by the rider will be described by the expression 10t. Since the pedestrian went ahead of the rider and managed to cover 15 km, the distance traveled by him will be described by the expression 4t + 15.

By the time the rider catches up with the pedestrian, they have both traveled the same distance. This allows us to equate the distances traveled by the rider and the pedestrian:

10t = 4t plus 15

Tasks for independent decision

Train speeds in this problem are measured in kilometers per hour. Therefore, convert the 45 min specified in the problem to hours. 45 min is 0.75 h

problem solving to equation

Denote the time it takes for the freight train to arrive in the city by the variable t . Since the passenger train arrives in this city 0.75 h faster, its travel time will be denoted by the expression t −  0,75

The passenger train covered 48(t-0.75) km, and the freight train 36t km. Since we are talking about the same distance, let us equate the first expression with the second one. The resulting equation is 48(t - 0.75) = 36t. Solve it:

problem solving to equation

Now calculate the distance between the cities. To do this, multiply the speed of the freight train (36 km/h) by its travel time t. The value of the variable t is now known - it is equal to three hours

36 × 3 = 108 km

You can also use the speed of the passenger train to calculate the distance. But in this case the value of the variable t should be reduced by 0.75 because the passenger train spent 0.75 h less time

48 × (3 − 0,75) = 144 − 36 = 108 km

Answer: The distance between the cities is 108 km.

Let t be the time after which the cars meet. Then the first car at the time of the meeting will have traveled 65t km, and the second 60t km. Add these distances and equate them to 150. We get the equation 65t + 60t = 150

problem solving to equation

The value of the variable t is 1.2. So the cars met after 1.2 hours.

Answer: the cars met after 1.2 hours.

Let x be the number of workers in the first workshop. The second workshop had three times as many workers as the first workshop, so the number of workers in the second workshop can be denoted by the expression 3x. The third workshop had 15 fewer workers than the second workshop. Therefore, the number of workers in the third workshop can be denoted by the expression 3x - 15.

The task says that the total number of workers was 685. Therefore we can add the expressions x, 3x, 3x - 15 and equate that sum to the number 685. The result is x + 3x + (3x - 15) = 685

problem solving to equation

The variable x was used to denote the number of workers in the first workshop. Now we have found the value of this variable, it is 100. So there were 100 workers in the first workshop.

The second workshop had 3x workers, so 3 × 100 = 300. And the third workshop had 3x - 15, so 3 × 100 - 15 = 285

Answer: In the first shop there were 100 workers, in the second - 300, in the third - 285.

Let x motors be repaired by the first workshop. Then the second workshop had to repair 18 - x motors.

Since the first workshop fulfilled its plan by 120%, that means it repaired 1.2x motors . And the second repair shop fulfilled its plan by 125%, so it repaired 1.25(18 - x) motors.

The problem says that 22 motors were repaired. Therefore we can add the expressions 1.2x and 1.25(18 - x) , then equate that sum to the number 22. The resulting equation is 1.2x + 1.25(18 - x) = 22

problem solving to equation

The variable x was used to denote the number of motors to be repaired by the first workshop. Now we have found the value of this variable, it is 10. So the first workshop had to repair 10 motors.

The expression 18 - x represents the number of motors to be repaired by the second workshop. So the second workshop had to repair 18 - 10 = 8 motors.

Answer: The first workshop was to repair 10 engines and the second workshop was to repair 8 engines..

Let x dollars was the price of the product before the price increase. If the price increased by 30%, it means that it increased by $0.30x dollars. After the price increase, the product began to cost $91. Add x to 0.30x and equate that sum to 91. As a result we get the equation x + 0.30x = 91

problem solving to equation

So before the price increase, the product cost $70.

Answer: Before the price increase, the product cost $70.

Let x be the initial number. Increase it by 25%. We obtain the expression x + 0.25x. Given the like terms, we obtain x + 0.25x = 1.25x.

Find what part of the original number x is from the new number 1.25x

problem solving to equation

If the new number 1.25x is 100%, and the original number x is 80% of it, then reducing the new number by 20% you can get the original number x>

problem solving to equation

Answer: to get the original number, the new number must be reduced by 20%.

Let x be the original number. Increase it by 20%. We obtain the expression x + 0.20x. Equate this sum to the number 144, so we obtain the equation x + 0.20x = 144

problem solving to equation

Answer: the original value of the number is 120.

Let x be the original number. Decrease it by 10%. We obtain the expression x - 0.10x. Equate this difference to the number 45, so we get the equation x - 0.10x = 45

problem solving to equation

Answer: the original value of the number is 50.

Let x be the original price of the album. Decrease this price by 15%, we get x - 0.15x. Reduce the price by another $15, so we get x - 0.15x - 15. After these reductions, the album now costs $19. Equate the expression x - 0.15x - 15 to the number 19, we get the equation x - 0.15x - 15 = 19

problem solving to equation

Answer: The original album price is $40.

If 80% of the mass is lost, the remaining 20% will account for 4 tons of hay. Let x tons of grass be required to produce 4 tons of hay. If 4 tons will account for 20% of the grass, then we can make the equation:

problem solving to equation

Answer: to get 4 tons of hay, you need to cut 20 tons of grass.

Let x kg of 20% salt solution be added to 1 kg of 10% salt solution.

1 kg of 10% salt solution contains 0.1 kg of salt. And x kg of 20% salt solution contains 0.20x kg of salt.

After adding x kg of the 20% solution, the new solution will contain 0.12(1 + x) kg of salt. We add 0.1 and 0.20x, then equate that sum to 0.12(1 + x). The resulting equation is 0.1 + 0.20x = 0.12(1 + x)

problem solving to equation

Answer: to get a 12% salt solution, you need to add 0.25 kg of 20% solution to 1 kg of 10% solution.

Let x kg of the first solution be taken. Since 25 kg of solution must be prepared, the mass of the second solution can be denoted by the expression 25 - x.

The first solution will contain 0.20x kg of salt, and the second solution will contain 0.30(25 - x) kg of salt. The resulting solution contains 25 × 0.252 = 6.3 kg of salt. Add the expressions 0.20x and 0.30(25 - x), then equate that sum to 6.3. The resulting equation is

problem solving to equation

So the first solution should take 12 kg, and the second 25 - 12 = 13 kg.

Answer: the first solution should take 12 kg, and the second 13 kg.

  • Basic theory of equation
  • Proportions: exercises

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  • Basic Laws of Math
  • 9. Basic Laws of Math
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  • 13. Actions with fractions
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  • 15. Comparing Fractions
  • 16. Units of Measurement
  • 17. Ways to use fractions
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  • 19. Operations with decimals
  • 20. Using decimals
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  • 22. Repeating Decimals
  • 23. Unit conversion
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  • 25. Proportion
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Unit 8: Functions

About this unit.

A function is like a machine that takes an input and gives an output. Let's explore how we can graph, analyze, and create different types of functions.

Evaluating functions

  • What is a function? (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: Evaluating functions from equation (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: Evaluating functions from graph (Opens a modal)
  • Evaluating discrete functions (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: evaluating expressions with function notation (Opens a modal)
  • Evaluate functions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Evaluate functions from their graph Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Evaluate function expressions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Inputs and outputs of a function

  • Worked example: matching an input to a function's output (equation) (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: matching an input to a function's output (graph) (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: two inputs with the same output (graph) (Opens a modal)
  • Function inputs & outputs: equation Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Function inputs & outputs: graph Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Functions and equations

  • Equations vs. functions (Opens a modal)
  • Obtaining a function from an equation (Opens a modal)
  • Function rules from equations Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Interpreting function notation

  • Function notation word problem: bank (Opens a modal)
  • Function notation word problem: beach (Opens a modal)
  • Function notation word problems Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Introduction to the domain and range of a function

  • Intervals and interval notation (Opens a modal)
  • What is the domain of a function? (Opens a modal)
  • What is the range of a function? (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: domain and range from graph (Opens a modal)
  • Domain and range from graph Get 5 of 7 questions to level up!

Determining the domain of a function

  • Determining whether values are in domain of function (Opens a modal)
  • Examples finding the domain of functions (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: determining domain word problem (real numbers) (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: determining domain word problem (positive integers) (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: determining domain word problem (all integers) (Opens a modal)
  • Identifying values in the domain Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Determine the domain of functions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Function domain word problems Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Recognizing functions

  • Recognizing functions from graph (Opens a modal)
  • Does a vertical line represent a function? (Opens a modal)
  • Recognizing functions from table (Opens a modal)
  • Recognizing functions from verbal description (Opens a modal)
  • Recognizing functions from verbal description word problem (Opens a modal)
  • Recognize functions from graphs Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Recognize functions from tables Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Maximum and minimum points

  • Introduction to minimum and maximum points (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: absolute and relative extrema (Opens a modal)
  • Relative maxima and minima Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Absolute maxima and minima Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Intervals where a function is positive, negative, increasing, or decreasing

  • Increasing, decreasing, positive or negative intervals (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: positive & negative intervals (Opens a modal)
  • Positive and negative intervals Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Increasing and decreasing intervals Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Interpreting features of graphs

  • Graph interpretation word problem: temperature (Opens a modal)
  • Graph interpretation word problem: basketball (Opens a modal)
  • Creativity break: How can people get creative in algebra (Opens a modal)
  • Graph interpretation word problems Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Average rate of change

  • Introduction to average rate of change (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: average rate of change from graph (Opens a modal)
  • Worked example: average rate of change from table (Opens a modal)
  • Average rate of change: graphs & tables Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Average rate of change word problems

  • Average rate of change word problem: table (Opens a modal)
  • Average rate of change word problem: graph (Opens a modal)
  • Average rate of change review (Opens a modal)
  • Average rate of change word problems Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

Intro to inverse functions

  • Intro to inverse functions (Opens a modal)
  • Inputs & outputs of inverse functions (Opens a modal)
  • Graphing the inverse of a linear function (Opens a modal)
  • Finding inverse functions: linear (Opens a modal)
  • Functions: FAQ (Opens a modal)
  • Evaluate inverse functions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!
  • Finding inverses of linear functions Get 3 of 4 questions to level up!

IMAGES

  1. 3 Ways to Solve Two Step Algebraic Equations

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  2. Solving an Equation

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  3. Solving Two-Step Equations

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  4. Algebra

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  5. problem solving about linear equation

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  6. Problem Solving with Equations

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VIDEO

  1. Equation solving #1 #maths #math

  2. Solving Radical Equations (Part one)

  3. Use Variables & Equations to Solve Problems

  4. Solving a Quadratic Equation by the Quadratic Formula

  5. GOOD GUIDE TO SOLVING EQUATION PROBLEMS

  6. Algebra 27

COMMENTS

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  2. Solving equations & inequalities

    Unit test. Level up on all the skills in this unit and collect up to 1,100 Mastery points! Start Unit test. There are lots of strategies we can use to solve equations. Let's explore some different ways to solve equations and inequalities. We'll also see what it takes for an equation to have no solution, or infinite solutions.

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  6. Solving basic equations & inequalities (one variable, linear)

    One-step inequalities: -5c ≤ 15. (Opens a modal) One-step inequality involving addition. (Opens a modal) One-step inequality word problem. (Opens a modal) Inequalities using addition and subtraction. (Opens a modal) Solving and graphing linear inequalities.

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    To solve your equation using the Equation Solver, type in your equation like x+4=5. The solver will then show you the steps to help you learn how to solve it on your own. Solving Equations Video Lessons

  8. Equation Solver: Wolfram|Alpha

    For equation solving, Wolfram|Alpha calls the Wolfram Language's Solve and Reduce functions, which contain a broad range of methods for all kinds of algebra, from basic linear and quadratic equations to multivariate nonlinear systems. In some cases, linear algebra methods such as Gaussian elimination are used, with optimizations to increase ...

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  12. Art of Problem Solving

    Hence the solution to our equation is . How to solve a linear equation with multiple variables. Solve for and in the two equations and . 1. Solve for y in terms of x 2. Substitute the value into the other equation and solve 3. Substitute the value of x back in Linear equations. A linear equation is the simplest form of equations (with one or ...

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  14. Equation Solver

    Algebra. Equation Solver. Step 1: Enter the Equation you want to solve into the editor. The equation calculator allows you to take a simple or complex equation and solve by best method possible. Step 2: Click the blue arrow to submit and see the result! The equation solver allows you to enter your problem and solve the equation to see the result.

  15. Step-by-Step Equation Solver

    Step by step equation solver. This is an online calculator for solving algebraic equations. Simply enter the equation, and the calculator will walk you through the steps necessary to simplify and solve it. Each step is followed by a brief explanation.

  16. Microsoft Math Solver

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  17. Solving an Equation (How to Solve an Equation with Examples)

    Word Problem On Solving an Equation. Problem: The sum of three times a number and 11 is 32. Find the number. Solution: Let the number be x. As per the given equation, Sum of three times a number and 11 = 32. 3x + 11 = 32. Now we need to solve the above equation for x. Subtract the equation from 11 on both sides, to get; 3x + 11 - 11 = 32 ...

  18. Solving Equations Practice Questions

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  19. Two-Step Equations Practice Problems with Answers

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  20. Problem solving with equations

    Problem solving with equations. Solving a task usually consists of finding the value of some quantity by logical reasoning and calculations. For example, find the speed, time, distance, mass of an object, or amount of something. Such a task can be solved by using an equation. To do this, the desired value is denoted by a variable, then by ...

  21. Systems of Equations

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  23. Functions

    Solving equations & inequalities. Unit 3. Working with units. Unit 4. Linear equations & graphs. Unit 5. ... equation Get 3 of 4 questions to level up! Function inputs & outputs: graph Get 3 of 4 questions to level up! ... determining domain word problem (positive integers) (Opens a modal) Worked example: determining domain word problem (all ...