How can you use two-step equations to represent and solve real-world problems?
How many candy bars can Hunter buy if each is $2.00 and he has $10.00
2x = 10
x = ?
Two-step equations can be used to represent and solve real-world problems by breaking down complex situations into more manageable steps.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use two-step equations to represent and solve real-world problems:
1. Identify the unknown: Determine what quantity you're trying to find in the problem. This will usually be represented by a variable, such as "x".
2. Translate the problem into an equation: Express the given information in terms of variables and numbers. For example, if the problem states that "three times a number, increased by 5, is equal to 17", you can write it as 3x + 5 = 17, where "x" represents the unknown number.
3. Simplify the equation: Use the rules of algebra to simplify the equation. Start by isolating the variable term on one side of the equation and moving the constant term to the other side. In our example, subtracting 5 from both sides gives 3x = 12.
4. Solve for the unknown: Once the equation is simplified, solve for the variable. Divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable to isolate the variable. In our example, dividing both sides by 3 gives x = 4.
5. Check the solution: To verify if the solution is correct, substitute the value of the variable back into the original equation. If the left side of the equation is equal to the right side, then the solution is valid. In our example, substituting x = 4 into the original equation, we get 3(4) + 5 = 17, which is true.
By following these steps, two-step equations can be used to represent and solve real-world problems efficiently and accurately.