One Step Equation Word Problems

Ben and Jerry together scored 50 points in the big game. If Ben scored 16 points, how many points did Jerry score?

Which equation fits this scenario?

• x + 16 = 50

• x - 16 = -50

• -500 + x = 16

• x - 16 = 500

One sixth of the candies in a bag of M&Ms are orange. If there are 15 orange candies how many M&Ms are in the bag?

Which equation matches the scenario?

• x - 1/6 = 15

• -16x = 15

• 1/6 x = 15

• -15 = 16x

A scuba diver dove 16 ft to an elevation of -50 ft. What was her elevation before the dive?

Which equation matches the scenario?

• x - 1/6 = 50

• x - 16 = -50

• 1/6 x = 50

• -50 = 16x

The number of elephants at the circus was two-fifths of the number of horses. If there were 16 elephants, how many horses were there?

Which equation matches the scenario?

• 2/5x = 16

• 5/2x = 16

• x -16 = 2/5

• 16 + x = 2/5

Jim paid a gym membership fee of $50, plus $20 per month.  Jim has paid a total of $290 to the gym.  Which equation matches this situation?

• 50 + 20m = 290
• 20 + 50m = 290
• 50 + 20 = m
• 50m - 20 = 290

Keith bought a soft drink for 2 dollars and 6 candy bars. He spent a total of 14 dollars. How much did each candy bar cost? 

• $12
• $6
• $2
• $3

In this soccer season, Emma has scored 1 more than twice the number of Nick's goals.  If Emma has scored 15 goals, which equation can be used to find x, the number of Nick's goals?

• x - 15 = 1
• x + 1 = 15
• 2x + 1 = 15
• x + 1 = x + 15

At Maxx Middle School, there are 30 times as many students as teachers. If there are 450 students, how many teachers are there?

Which equation matches this scenario?

• x/30 = -450

• 8x - 3x = 450

• 30/x = 450

• x + 16 = -450

Solve for x.

x - 15 = 45

• 30

• 40

• 50

• 60

Solve for y.

2y = 38

• 40

• 36

• 19

• 16