Skill: 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 $(28)$ books equally on $4$ shelves. How many books go on each shelf?

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

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

$$4b=28$$

3. Use the inverse operation.
   Multiplication and division are inverse operations. Divide both sides by $4$:

$$b=28\div4$$ $$b=7$$

4. Interpret the answer.
   The librarian places $7$ books on each shelf.

5. Check:

$$4\times7=28$$

The answer makes sense.