Understanding Variables in Word Problems

This video tutorial teaches how to solve subtraction word problems using variables. It explains the concept of variables as letters representing unknown values and demonstrates how to write equations from word problems. Two examples are provided: calculating remaining pages to read and determining the number of erasers lost. The video emphasizes defining variables, writing equations, and solving for unknowns.

What is a variable in the context of solving word problems?

• A fixed number

• A mathematical operation

• A letter representing an unknown value

• A type of equation

In the equation 12 - c = 10, what does the variable 'c' represent?

• The number 12

• The number 10

• An unknown value

• A subtraction operation

If you have 237 pages to read and have read 115, how would you set up an equation to find the remaining pages?

• 237 + p = 115

• 237 - p = 115

• p - 237 = 115

• 115 - p = 237

What does the variable 'p' stand for in the reading pages problem?

• The number of pages read

• The number of days left

• The total number of pages

• The number of pages left to read

How many pages are left to read if you started with 237 pages and have read 115?

• 100

• 115

• 122

• 237

Lisa started with 27 erasers and now has 15. How would you set up an equation to find out how many she lost?

• e - 27 = 15

• 15 - e = 27

• 27 - e = 15

• 27 + e = 15

What does the variable 'e' represent in the erasers problem?

• The total number of erasers

• The number of erasers left

• The number of erasers at the start

• The number of erasers lost

How many erasers did Lisa lose if she started with 27 and now has 15?

• 12

• 10

• 15

• 27

How can you verify the solution to a subtraction word problem?

• By multiplying the variable by the total

• By substituting the variable with the found value in the equation

• By dividing the total by the variable

• By adding the variable to the total

What is the final step in solving a subtraction word problem using a variable?

• Defining the variable

• Checking the solution

• Writing the equation

• Solving for the variable