Understanding Variables in Word Problems

The video tutorial explains how to solve a word problem involving the number of countries where English and Farsi are spoken as the first language. It guides through defining variables, setting up equations, and using the elimination method to find the solution. The problem states that English is spoken in 78 more countries than Farsi, and together they are spoken in 130 countries. The solution involves setting up two equations and solving them to find that English is spoken in 104 countries and Farsi in 26 countries.

What is the main focus of the problem discussed in the video?

• The total number of countries where English and Farsi are spoken as first languages.

• The difference in the number of countries where English and Farsi are spoken as first languages.

• The number of countries where Farsi is spoken as a first language.

• The number of countries where English is spoken as a first language.

Why is it important to define variables in a word problem?

• To make the problem more complex.

• To avoid solving the problem.

• To confuse the solver.

• To understand what you are solving for.

What does the variable 'x' represent in the problem?

• The number of countries where English is spoken as a first language.

• The difference in the number of countries where English and Farsi are spoken.

• The number of countries where Farsi is spoken as a first language.

• The total number of countries where both languages are spoken.

What operation is suggested by the word 'together' in the context of the problem?

• Addition

• Multiplication

• Division

• Subtraction

What equation is formed by the statement 'together English and Farsi are spoken as the first language in 130 countries'?

• x / y = 130

• x * y = 130

• x + y = 130

• x - y = 130

How is the relationship 'English is spoken in 78 more countries than Farsi' represented?

• x = y + 78

• x = y * 78

• x = y - 78

• x = y / 78

What is the purpose of rewriting the equation y + 78 = x?

• To make the equation more complex.

• To solve the equation directly.

• To prepare for elimination by aligning variables.

• To change the variables.

What method is used to solve the equations in the problem?

• Elimination

• Trial and Error

• Graphing

• Substitution

What is the result of adding the two equations together?

• 0x + 2y = 52

• x + y = 130

• x - y = 78

• 2x + 0y = 104

How many countries speak Farsi as a first language according to the solution?

• 52

• 26

• 78

• 104