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Solve simple algebraic word problems

Represent a one-step contextual problem with an equation containing an unknown. Solve using an appropriate inverse operation or fact family. Interpret the solution with the correct unit.

Detailed Explanation: Solve simple algebraic word problems

Read the problem carefully and decide what number is unknown. Then write an equation that matches the situation. Solve the equation using the inverse operation, and include the correct unit in your answer.

Example: A librarian places (28)(28) books equally on 44 shelves. How many books go on each shelf?

  1. Name the unknown.
    Let bb represent the number of books on each shelf.

  2. Write an equation.
    Four shelves with bb books each make (28)(28) books total:

4b=284b=28
  1. Use the inverse operation.
    Multiplication and division are inverse operations. Divide both sides by 44:

b=28÷4b=28\div4 b=7b=7
  1. Interpret the answer.
    The librarian places 77 books on each shelf.

  2. Check:

4×7=284\times7=28

The answer makes sense.

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Algebra Meals - 2 Meals, 1 Item, to Answer


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