Math Two Step Equation Word Problems

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

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

If you divide the age of Grampa Gump by 16, you get the age of Junior Gump. If Junior is 5 years old, how old is grampa?

Which equation matches the scenario?

• x/16 = 5

• x - 1/6 = 15

• 8x - 3x = 450

• 16/x = 5x

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

What is the primary difference between one and two-step equations?

• One-step equations have only addition and subtraction.

• Two-step equations have only multiplication and division.

• Nothing is different between them.

• Two-step equations have two operations and one-step equations have only one.

Why did your teacher tell you we needed to use word problems when we solve algebraic equations?

• To annoy you

• To make you laugh

• To show real world examples

• To confuse you

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

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

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