Mathematical Problem Solving

Front

What is a variable in mathematics?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often represented by a letter, that stands for an unknown value in an equation or expression.

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Back

To solve an equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Front

Write an equation to represent the scenario: Sarah has flown for 3 hours of a 5-hour flight. How many hours does she have left?

Back

x + 3 = 5

Front

Write an equation to represent the scenario: John ate 4 out of 16 pizza slices. How many slices are left?

Back

x + 4 = 16

Front

Write an equation to represent the scenario: Katie had 1500 followers and gained 50 new ones. How many did she have before?

Back

x + 50 = 1500

Front

Write an equation to represent the scenario: The Johnson family bought 12 concert tickets at $50 each. What is the total cost?

Back

12 x 50 = x

Front

Write an equation to represent the scenario: Mia has 40 sandwiches and wants to give each friend 5 sandwiches. How many friends can she serve?

Back

5x = 40

Front

What is the purpose of using equations in problem-solving?

Back

Equations help to represent relationships between quantities and allow us to find unknown values.

Front

What is the equation for finding the total cost of items?

Back

Total Cost = Number of Items x Cost per Item

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, you perform inverse operations to get the variable alone on one side of the equation.