So I know how to do these types of problems but I have a hard time figuring out how to write the equation. Mrs. Sue, if you could help I would greatly appreciate it. I really just need to know what the way to write the equation is for word problems. Thank you!
Suppose you are driving to visit a friend in another state. You are driving at an average rate of 50 miles per hour. You must drive a total of 345 miles. If you have already driven 145 miles, how many hours will it take you to reach your destination?
A. 5 hours
B. 3 hours
C. 4 hours
D. 6 hours
Again I don't need help solving it, I just need a general idea of how to make word problems like this into equations. Thank you!
This does not help me. You are not answering my question. I need to know a general way to write equations from word problems, not solve them. I can solve this, but first I need to know a way to write the problem. This doesn't help me. Please re-read or read my actual question, not just the problem, thank you.
(345 - 145) / 50 = h
@danceroftheages did you read the question that you posted?
I have the same question with these two problems as well:
1. Jesse played two days of golf. On the second day, he got a score of 6 below par, or −6. His total score for the two days was 0 above par, or 0. Define a variable. Then write and solve an equation to find the score Jesse got on the first day. Show your work.
2. Your local gas stations are having a price war. During the past 7 days, they have lowered the price of regular gas by $.02 each day. Define a variable. Then write and solve an equation to find the total change in gas price. Show your work.
1. n + (-6) = 0
n = the first day's score
n + (-6) = 0
Add 6 to both sides.
n = 6
2. t = daily change * number of days
t = 7 * 0.02
t = $0.14
To write an equation for word problems like the one you provided, it's helpful to break down the problem into smaller steps. Here's a general approach you can follow:
Step 1: Identify what you are trying to find.
In this problem, you are trying to find the number of hours it will take to reach your destination.
Step 2: Assign variables.
Assign a variable to the quantity you are trying to find. Let's call it "t" for time in hours.
Step 3: Translate the given information into mathematical terms.
Based on the problem statement, you know the average rate of driving (50 miles per hour), the total distance to be covered (345 miles), and the distance already driven (145 miles).
Step 4: Write an equation using the assigned variables.
The equation can be derived from the formula: time = distance / rate.
In this case, the distance remaining is the total distance minus the distance already driven. So, the equation becomes:
t = (345 - 145) / 50
Simplifying the equation further:
t = 200 / 50
Finally, solving for "t":
t = 4
Step 5: Interpret the solution.
The solution "t = 4" means it will take you 4 hours to reach your destination.
Thus, the answer to the given problem is C. 4 hours.
By following these steps, you can systematically convert word problems into equations that can be solved to find the answer.