creative writing

word problems linear equations algebra

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Unit 10: Lesson 1

Linear equation word problems — Basic example

Want to join the conversation?

Incredible Answer

Video transcript

Word Problems on Linear Equations

Worked-out word problems on linear equations with solutions explained step-by-step in different types of examples.

There are several problems which involve relations among known and unknown numbers and can be put in the form of equations. The equations are generally stated in words and it is for this reason we refer to these problems as word problems. With the help of equations in one variable, we have already practiced equations to solve some real life problems.

Steps involved in solving a linear equation word problem: ● Read the problem carefully and note what is given and what is required and what is given. ● Denote the unknown by the variables as x, y, ……. ● Translate the problem to the language of mathematics or mathematical statements. ● Form the linear equation in one variable using the conditions given in the problems. ● Solve the equation for the unknown. ● Verify to be sure whether the answer satisfies the conditions of the problem.

Step-by-step application of linear equations to solve practical word problems:

1. The sum of two numbers is 25. One of the numbers exceeds the other by 9. Find the numbers.

Solution: Then the other number = x + 9 Let the number be x. Sum of two numbers = 25 According to question, x + x + 9 = 25 ⇒ 2x + 9 = 25 ⇒ 2x = 25 - 9 (transposing 9 to the R.H.S changes to -9) ⇒ 2x = 16 ⇒ 2x/2 = 16/2 (divide by 2 on both the sides) ⇒ x = 8 Therefore, x + 9 = 8 + 9 = 17 Therefore, the two numbers are 8 and 17.

2.The difference between the two numbers is 48. The ratio of the two numbers is 7:3. What are the two numbers? Solution: Let the common ratio be x. Let the common ratio be x. Their difference = 48 According to the question, 7x - 3x = 48 ⇒ 4x = 48 ⇒ x = 48/4 ⇒ x = 12 Therefore, 7x = 7 × 12 = 84 3x = 3 × 12 = 36 Therefore, the two numbers are 84 and 36.

3. The length of a rectangle is twice its breadth. If the perimeter is 72 metre, find the length and breadth of the rectangle. Solution: Let the breadth of the rectangle be x, Then the length of the rectangle = 2x Perimeter of the rectangle = 72 Therefore, according to the question 2(x + 2x) = 72 ⇒ 2 × 3x = 72 ⇒ 6x = 72 ⇒ x = 72/6 ⇒ x = 12 We know, length of the rectangle = 2x = 2 × 12 = 24 Therefore, length of the rectangle is 24 m and breadth of the rectangle is 12 m.

4. Aaron is 5 years younger than Ron. Four years later, Ron will be twice as old as Aaron. Find their present ages.

Solution: Let Ron’s present age be x. Then Aaron’s present age = x - 5 After 4 years Ron’s age = x + 4, Aaron’s age x - 5 + 4. According to the question; Ron will be twice as old as Aaron. Therefore, x + 4 = 2(x - 5 + 4) ⇒ x + 4 = 2(x - 1) ⇒ x + 4 = 2x - 2 ⇒ x + 4 = 2x - 2 ⇒ x - 2x = -2 - 4 ⇒ -x = -6 ⇒ x = 6 Therefore, Aaron’s present age = x - 5 = 6 - 5 = 1 Therefore, present age of Ron = 6 years and present age of Aaron = 1 year.

5. A number is divided into two parts, such that one part is 10 more than the other. If the two parts are in the ratio 5 : 3, find the number and the two parts. Solution: Let one part of the number be x Then the other part of the number = x + 10 The ratio of the two numbers is 5 : 3 Therefore, (x + 10)/x = 5/3 ⇒ 3(x + 10) = 5x ⇒ 3x + 30 = 5x ⇒ 30 = 5x - 3x ⇒ 30 = 2x ⇒ x = 30/2 ⇒ x = 15 Therefore, x + 10 = 15 + 10 = 25 Therefore, the number = 25 + 15 = 40 The two parts are 15 and 25.

More solved examples with detailed explanation on the word problems on linear equations.

6. Robert’s father is 4 times as old as Robert. After 5 years, father will be three times as old as Robert. Find their present ages. Solution: Let Robert’s age be x years. Then Robert’s father’s age = 4x After 5 years, Robert’s age = x + 5 Father’s age = 4x + 5 According to the question, 4x + 5 = 3(x + 5) ⇒ 4x + 5 = 3x + 15 ⇒ 4x - 3x = 15 - 5 ⇒ x = 10 ⇒ 4x = 4 × 10 = 40 Robert’s present age is 10 years and that of his father’s age = 40 years.

7. The sum of two consecutive multiples of 5 is 55. Find these multiples. Solution: Let the first multiple of 5 be x. Then the other multiple of 5 will be x + 5 and their sum = 55 Therefore, x + x + 5 = 55 ⇒ 2x + 5 = 55 ⇒ 2x = 55 - 5 ⇒ 2x = 50 ⇒ x = 50/2 ⇒ x = 25 Therefore, the multiples of 5, i.e., x + 5 = 25 + 5 = 30 Therefore, the two consecutive multiples of 5 whose sum is 55 are 25 and 30.

8. The difference in the measures of two complementary angles is 12°. Find the measure of the angles. Solution: Let the angle be x. Complement of x = 90 - x Given their difference = 12° Therefore, (90 - x) - x = 12° ⇒ 90 - 2x = 12 ⇒ -2x = 12 - 90 ⇒ -2x = -78 ⇒ 2x/2 = 78/2 ⇒ x = 39 Therefore, 90 - x = 90 - 39 = 51 Therefore, the two complementary angles are 39° and 51°

9. The cost of two tables and three chairs is $705. If the table costs $40 more than the chair, find the cost of the table and the chair. Solution: The table cost $ 40 more than the chair. Let us assume the cost of the chair to be x. Then the cost of the table = $ 40 + x The cost of 3 chairs = 3 × x = 3x and the cost of 2 tables 2(40 + x) Total cost of 2 tables and 3 chairs = $705 Therefore, 2(40 + x) + 3x = 705 80 + 2x + 3x = 705 80 + 5x = 705 5x = 705 - 80 5x = 625/5 x = 125 and 40 + x = 40 + 125 = 165 Therefore, the cost of each chair is $125 and that of each table is $165.

10. If 3/5 ᵗʰ of a number is 4 more than 1/2 the number, then what is the number? Solution: Let the number be x, then 3/5 ᵗʰ of the number = 3x/5 Also, 1/2 of the number = x/2 According to the question, 3/5 ᵗʰ of the number is 4 more than 1/2 of the number. ⇒ 3x/5 - x/2 = 4 ⇒ (6x - 5x)/10 = 4 ⇒ x/10 = 4 ⇒ x = 40 The required number is 40.

Try to follow the methods of solving word problems on linear equations and then observe the detailed instruction on the application of equations to solve the problems.

What is an Equation?

What is a Linear Equation?

How to Solve Linear Equations?

Solving Linear Equations

Problems on Linear Equations in One Variable

Word Problems on Linear Equations in One Variable

Practice Test on Linear Equations

Practice Test on Word Problems on Linear Equations

● Equations - Worksheets

Worksheet on Linear Equations

Worksheet on Word Problems on Linear Equation

7th Grade Math Problems 8th Grade Math Practice From Word Problems on Linear Equations to HOME PAGE

New! Comments

Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math . Use this Google Search to find what you need.

© and ™ math-only-math.com. All Rights Reserved. 2010 - 2022.

Linear Equation Word Problems - Examples & Practice - Expii

Library homepage

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

1.20: Word Problems for Linear Equations

Word problems are important applications of linear equations. We start with examples of translating an English sentence or phrase into an algebraic expression.

Translate the phrase into an algebraic expression:

a) Twice a variable is added to 4

Solution: We call the variable \(x .\) Twice the variable is \(2 x .\) Adding \(2 x\) to 4 gives:

\[4 + 2x\nonumber\]

b) Three times a number is subtracted from 7.

Solution: Three times a number is \(3 x .\) We need to subtract \(3 x\) from 7. This means:\

\[7-3 x\nonumber\]

c) 8 less than a number.

Solution: The number is denoted by \(x .8\) less than \(x\) mean, that we need to subtract 8 from it. We get:

\[x-8\nonumber\]

For example, 8 less than 10 is \(10-8=2\).

d) Subtract \(5 p^{2}-7 p+2\) from \(3 p^{2}+4 p\) and simplify.

Solution: We need to calculate \(3 p^{2}+4 p\) minus \(5 p^{2}-7 p+2:\)

\[\left(3 p^{2}+4 p\right)-\left(5 p^{2}-7 p+2\right)\nonumber\]

Simplifying this expression gives:

\[\left(3 p^{2}+4 p\right)-\left(5 p^{2}-7 p+2\right)=3 p^{2}+4 p-5 p^{2}+7 p-2 =-2 p^{2}+11 p-2\nonumber\]

e) The amount of money given by \(x\) dimes and \(y\) quarters.

Solution: Each dime is worth 10 cents, so that this gives a total of \(10 x\) cents. Each quarter is worth 25 cents, so that this gives a total of \(25 y\) cents. Adding the two amounts gives a total of

\[10 x+25 y \text{ cents or } .10x + .25y \text{ dollars}\nonumber\]

Now we deal with word problems that directly describe an equation involving one variable, which we can then solve.

Solve the following word problems:

a) Five times an unknown number is equal to 60. Find the number.

Solution: We translate the problem to algebra:

\[5x = 60\nonumber\]

We solve this for \(x\) :

\[x=\frac{60}{5}=12\nonumber\]

b) If 5 is subtracted from twice an unknown number, the difference is \(13 .\) Find the number.

Solution: Translating the problem into an algebraic equation gives:

\[2x − 5 = 13\nonumber\]

We solve this for \(x\). First, add 5 to both sides.

\[2x = 13 + 5, \text{ so that } 2x = 18\nonumber\]

Dividing by 2 gives \(x=\frac{18}{2}=9\).

c) A number subtracted from 9 is equal to 2 times the number. Find the number.

Solution: We translate the problem to algebra.

\[9 − x = 2x\nonumber\]

We solve this as follows. First, add \(x\) :

\[9 = 2x + x \text{ so that } 9 = 3x\nonumber\]

Then the answer is \(x=\frac{9}{3}=3\)

d) Multiply an unknown number by five is equal to adding twelve to the unknown number. Find the number.

Solution: We have the equation:

\[5x = x + 12.\nonumber\]

Subtracting \(x\) gives

\[4x = 12.\nonumber\]

Dividing both sides by 4 gives the answer: \(x=3\).

e) Adding nine to a number gives the same result as subtracting seven from three times the number. Find the number.

Solution: Adding 9 to a number is written as \(x+9,\) while subtracting 7 from three times the number is written as \(3 x-7\). We therefore get the equation:

\[x + 9 = 3x − 7.\nonumber\]

We solve for \(x\) by adding 7 on both sides of the equation:

\[x + 16 = 3x.\nonumber\]

Then we subtract \(x:\)

\[16 = 2x.\nonumber\]

After dividing by \(2,\) we obtain the answer \(x=8\)

The following word problems consider real world applications. They require to model a given situation in the form of an equation.

a) Due to inflation, the price of a loaf of bread has increased by \(5 \%\). How much does the loaf of bread cost now, when its price was \(\$ 2.40\) last year?

Solution: We calculate the price increase as \(5 \% \cdot \$ 2.40 .\) We have

\[5 \% \cdot 2.40=0.05 \cdot 2.40=0.1200=0.12\nonumber\]

We must add the price increase to the old price.

\[2.40+0.12=2.52\nonumber\]

The new price is therefore \(\$ 2.52\).

b) To complete a job, three workers get paid at a rate of \(\$ 12\) per hour. If the total pay for the job was \(\$ 180,\) then how many hours did the three workers spend on the job?

Solution: We denote the number of hours by \(x\). Then the total price is calculated as the price per hour \((\$ 12)\) times the number of workers times the number of hours \((3) .\) We obtain the equation

\[12 \cdot 3 \cdot x=180\nonumber\]

Simplifying this yields

\[36 x=180\nonumber\]

Dividing by 36 gives

\[x=\frac{180}{36}=5\nonumber\]

Therefore, the three workers needed 5 hours for the job.

c) A farmer cuts a 300 foot fence into two pieces of different sizes. The longer piece should be four times as long as the shorter piece. How long are the two pieces?

\[x+4 x=300\nonumber\]

Combining the like terms on the left, we get

\[5 x=300\nonumber\]

Dividing by 5, we obtain that

\[x=\frac{300}{5}=60\nonumber\]

Therefore, the shorter piece has a length of 60 feet, while the longer piece has four times this length, that is \(4 \times 60\) feet \(=240\) feet.

d) If 4 blocks weigh 28 ounces, how many blocks weigh 70 ounces?

Solution: We denote the weight of a block by \(x .\) If 4 blocks weigh \(28,\) then a block weighs \(x=\frac{28}{4}=7\)

How many blocks weigh \(70 ?\) Well, we only need to find \(\frac{70}{7}=10 .\) So, the answer is \(10 .\)

Note You can solve this problem by setting up and solving the fractional equation \(\frac{28}{4}=\frac{70}{x}\). Solving such equations is addressed in chapter 24.

e) If a rectangle has a length that is three more than twice the width and the perimeter is 20 in, what are the dimensions of the rectangle?

Solution: We denote the width by \(x\). Then the length is \(2 x+3\). The perimeter is 20 in on one hand and \(2(\)length\()+2(\)width\()\) on the other. So we have

\[20=2 x+2(2 x+3)\nonumber\]

Distributing and collecting like terms give

\[20=6 x+6\nonumber\]

Subtracting 6 from both sides of the equation and then dividing both sides of the resulting equation by 6 gives:

\[20-6=6 x \Longrightarrow 14=6 x \Longrightarrow x=\frac{14}{6} \text { in }=\frac{7}{3} \text { in }=2 \frac{1}{3} \text { in. }\nonumber\]

f) If a circle has circumference 4in, what is its radius?

Solution: We know that \(C=2 \pi r\) where \(C\) is the circumference and \(r\) is the radius. So in this case

\[4=2 \pi r\nonumber\]

Dividing both sides by \(2 \pi\) gives

\[r=\frac{4}{2 \pi}=\frac{2}{\pi} \text { in } \approx 0.63 \mathrm{in}\nonumber\]

g) The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 60 meters. How long is each side?

Solution: Let \(x\) equal the side of the triangle. Then the perimeter is, on the one hand, \(60,\) and on other hand \(3 x .\) So \(3 x=60\) and dividing both sides of the equation by 3 gives \(x=20\) meters.

h) If a gardener has \(\$ 600\) to spend on a fence which costs \(\$ 10\) per linear foot and the area to be fenced in is rectangular and should be twice as long as it is wide, what are the dimensions of the largest fenced in area?

Solution: The perimeter of a rectangle is \(P=2 L+2 W\). Let \(x\) be the width of the rectangle. Then the length is \(2 x .\) The perimeter is \(P=2(2 x)+2 x=6 x\). The largest perimeter is \(\$ 600 /(\$ 10 / f t)=60\) ft. So \(60=6 x\) and dividing both sides by 6 gives \(x=60 / 6=10\). So the dimensions are 10 feet by 20 feet.

i) A trapezoid has an area of 20.2 square inches with one base measuring 3.2 in and the height of 4 in. Find the length of the other base.

Solution: Let \(b\) be the length of the unknown base. The area of the trapezoid is on the one hand 20.2 square inches. On the other hand it is \(\frac{1}{2}(3.2+b) \cdot 4=\) \(6.4+2 b .\) So

\[20.2=6.4+2 b\nonumber\]

Multiplying both sides by 10 gives

\[202=64+20 b\nonumber\]

Subtracting 64 from both sides gives

\[b=\frac{138}{20}=\frac{69}{10}=6.9 \text { in }\nonumber\]

and dividing by 20 gives

Write an equation and solve: A car uses 12 gallons of gas to travel 100 miles. How many gallons would be needed to travel 450 miles?

Word Problems: Linear Models

Word problems sometimes ask us to write a linear function to model a situation.

The word problem may be phrased in such a way that we can easily find a linear function using the slope-intercept form of the equation for a line.

Hannah's electricity company charges her $ 0.11 per kWh (kilowatt-hour) of electricity, plus a basic connection charge of $ 15.00 per month. Write a linear function that models her monthly electricity bill as a function of electricity usage.

Here, when Hannah uses zero electricity (that is, when x = 0 ), the bill is $ 15.00 . So, the y -intercept is 15 .

The rate of change is 0.11 . That is, for each increase of x by 1 unit (in this case, kilowatt-hours), there is an increase in y by 0.11 .

y = 0.11 x + 15

In other problems, it may be easier to use the point-slope form of the equation.

Roger has a house in Telluride, Colorado, but starts a new job in Denver. Every Monday, he drives his car 332 miles from Telluride to Denver, spends the week in a company apartment, and then drives back to Telluride on Friday. He doesn't use his car for anything else.

After 20 weeks of this, his odometer shows that he has travelled 240,218 miles since he bought the car.

Write a linear model which gives the odometer reading of the car as a function of the number of weeks since Roger started the new job.

First, find the rate of change. Be sure to multiply the distance by 2 : he has to go and come back!

2 ( 332 ) = 664 miles per week

This represents the slope of the line. But, since we are not given the odometer reading of the car before he starts the job, we don't know the y -intercept yet.

But that's okay. We have the coordinates of a point: ( 20 , 240218 ) . So we can use the point-slope form y − y 1 = m ( x − x 1 ) .

y − 240218 = 664 ( x − 20 )

Note that you can use this equation to find the y -intercept if you want to.

Download our free learning tools apps and test prep books

Names of standardized tests are owned by the trademark holders and are not affiliated with Varsity Tutors LLC.

4.9/5.0 Satisfaction Rating over the last 100,000 sessions. As of 4/27/18.

*See complete details for Better Score Guarantee.

Media outlet trademarks are owned by the respective media outlets and are not affiliated with Varsity Tutors.

Award-Winning claim based on CBS Local and Houston Press awards.

Varsity Tutors does not have affiliation with universities mentioned on its website.

Varsity Tutors connects learners with experts. Instructors are independent contractors who tailor their services to each client, using their own style, methods and materials.

IMAGES

17 Best Images of Linear Function Word Problems Worksheet Algebra Equations Word Problems
Linear equation word problems
Linear Equation Word Problems Worksheet Word Problems Linear Equations E Variable Worksheet
Writing Linear Equations From Word Problems Worksheet
$word problems linear equations algebra$
Linear Equations Word Problems Worksheet Algebra 1
Linear Equation Word Problems Worksheet Systems Of Equations Word Problems in 2020

VIDEO

HOW TO SOLVE SYSTEM OF LINEAR EQUATION
Solving Simple Linear Equations| Worded Problems
Example Word Problems of Linear Equations
A Strategy for Solving Word Problems Using Systems of Equations
Solving Word Problems Involving Linear Equations in One Variable
CBSE EXAM 2004

COMMENTS

Linear equations word problems
Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, ... Linear equations word problems. CCSS.Math: HSF.
Linear equation word problems
Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, ... Watch Sal work through a basic Linear equations word problem.
Word Problems Linear Equations
Word Problems Linear Equations · \textbf{1)} Joe and Steve are saving money. · \textbf{2)} Mike and Sarah collect rocks. · \textbf{3)} In a classroom the ratio of
Word Problems on Linear Equations
Word Problems on Linear Equations · Then the other number = x + 9. Let the number be x. · 2.The difference between the two numbers is 48. · 3. The length of a
Linear Equation Word Problems
Just like any other word problem, linear equation word problems are translated, then solved. Look for a rate of change and a y-intercept.
1.20: Word Problems for Linear Equations
1.20: Word Problems for Linear Equations · 5% · 5%⋅$2.40. · 5%⋅2.40=0.05⋅2.40=0.1200=0.12 · 2.40+0.12=2.52 · $2.52 · $12 · x · 12⋅3⋅x=180.
Linear equation word problem
Linear equation word problem | Linear equations | Algebra I | Khan Academy. Fundraiser.
Y = mx + b Word Problems
Assume that the cost, y, is a linear function of the number of x people. Write an equation in slope-intercept form for this function. What does the slope
Solving Linear Equations in Word Problems
Solving Linear Equations In Word Problems : Example Question #1 ... Erin is making thirty shirts for her upcoming family reunion. At the reunion she is selling
Word Problems: Linear Models
The word problem may be phrased in such a way that we can easily find a linear function using the slope-intercept form of the equation for a line.