Mastering Variables: Solve 6th Grade Algebra Word Problems

1. Sarah has a number of apples. If she buys 5 more apples, she will have 12 apples in total. Define a variable for the number of apples Sarah originally had and write an equation to represent this situation.

• x + 5 = 15

• x + 5 = 10

• x + 5 = 12

• x - 5 = 12

2. A book costs $x. If you buy 3 books, you spend $24. Define the variable and write an equation to find the cost of one book.

• 6

• 10

• 12

• 8

3. Tom is saving money for a video game that costs $50. If he currently has $y saved and saves $10 each week, write an equation to show how many weeks it will take him to have enough money.

• w = (50 - y) / 10

• w = (y - 50) / 10

• w = 50 - (y + 10)

• w = (50 + y) / 10

4. A rectangle has a length of 2 times its width. If the width is represented by w, write an equation for the perimeter of the rectangle in terms of w.

• P = 4w

• P = 8w

• P = 2w

• P = 6w

5. Lisa has twice as many stickers as her friend. If her friend has s stickers, define a variable for the number of stickers Lisa has and write an equation to express this relationship.

• L = 2s

• L = s

• L = s + 2

• L = 3s

6. A car travels at a speed of 60 miles per hour. If it travels for t hours, how far does it go? Define the variable and write an equation for the distance traveled.

• distance = 60t

• distance = 60 + t

• distance = 60t^2

• distance = 30t

7. A pizza is cut into x slices. If 3 slices are eaten, there are 5 slices left. Define the variable and write an equation to find the total number of slices in the pizza.

• 8

• 6

• 10

• 7

8. A school has m students. If 15 more students enroll, the total number of students becomes 200. Define the variable and write an equation to find the original number of students.

• 190

• 200

• 175

• 185

9. A farmer has p pounds of apples. If he sells 4 pounds, he has 16 pounds left. Define the variable and write an equation to find the original amount of apples.

• 15 pounds

• 18 pounds

• 20 pounds

• 22 pounds

10. A movie ticket costs $8. If you buy t tickets, you spend $40. Define the variable and write an equation to find the number of tickets purchased.

• 7

• 6

• 4

• 5