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

Marble Middle School paid $500 for 16 graphing calculators. What was the cost for each calculator?

Which equation matches the scenario?

• 1/6x = 15

• 1/6x = 500

• 500 = 6x

• 500 = -6x

On first down, a football team lost 16 yds. After two downs, the team had an overall gain of 5 yds. How many yards were gained on second down?

Which equation matches this scenario?

• 8x - 3x = 450

• 16 - x = 15

• 1/16x = 45

• -16 + x = 15

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

A chest was resting on the ocean floor 500 ft below the surface. It was lifted to the deck of a ship 16 ft above the surface. How far was the chest lifted?

Which equation matches the scenario?

• 16x = 500

• x - 16 = -500

• 16x = -500

• -500 + x = 16

Scott works on cars. He charges $35 for each car plus $7 per hour. Write an equation that represents this scenario if Kylie's car bill was $63.

• 7x + 35 = 63
• 7x = 63
• 7x - 35 = 63
• 35x + 7 = 63

Penelope is going to the carnival to ride the rides. It costs $20 to get into the carnival and ride tickets are $0.50 each. Write an equation that represents this scenario if she spends $35 in all.

• .50x + 20 = 35
• .50x = 35
• .50 + 20x = 35 
• .50x - 20 = 35

Natalie is a softball coach. She has a pitching private lesson with Kasey. Kasey's mom pays Natalie $11 per hour plus a $6 tip. Write an equation that represents this scenario if the total cost was $39.

• 11x + 6 = 39
• 11x - 6 = 39
• 11 + 6x = 39
• 66x = 39

Natalie is a softball coach. She has a pitching private lesson with Kasey. Kasey's mom pays Natalie $11 per hour plus a $6 tip. 
The correct equation was 11x + 6 = 39.
So, how many hours was the lesson?

• x = 3
• x = 2
• x = 4
• x = 5