WRITING REAL WORLD PROBLEMS

To solve real world problems, we will write equations which represent the given situation. 

In this section we are going to see, how we can write a real world problem when an equation is given.

This stuff will help the students to improve their creativity and have better understanding on real world problems and equations.   

Example 1 :

Write a real-world problem for the following equation. 

21.79 + x  =  25

Solution :

Step 1 :

Examine each part of the equation.

x is the unknown or quantity we are looking for.

21.79 is added to x.

'= 25' means that after adding 21.79 and x, the result is 25.

Step 2 :

Write a real-world situation that involves adding two quantities.

Joshua wants to buy his mother flowers and a card for Mother’s Day. Joshua has $25 to spend and selects roses for $21.79.

How much can he spend on a card ?

Let 'x' represent that amount.

Step 3 :

Solve the equation.

Joshua can spend $3.21 on a Mother’s Day card.

Example 2 :

Write a real-world problem for the following equation. 

x - 47  =  18

Solution :

Step 1 :

Examine each part of the equation.

x is the unknown or quantity we are looking for.

47 is subtracted from x.

'= 18' means that after subtracting 47 from x, the result is 18.

Step 2 :

Write a real-world situation that involves adding two quantities.

Sarah used a gift card to buy $47 worth of food. She has $18 left on her gift card. Write an equation to represent this situation.

How much did she have in her card initially ?

Let 'x' represent that amount.

Step 3 :

Solve the equation.

Sarah had $65 in her card initially.

Example 3 :

Write a real-world problem for the following equation

2h  =  8

Solution :

Step 1 :

Examine each part of the equation.

h is the unknown or quantity we are looking for.

h is multiplied by 2.

'= 8' means that after having multiplied 2 and h, the result is 8.

Step 2 :

Write a real-world situation that involves adding two quantities.

Kim rented skates for h hours. The rental fee was $2 per hour. She paid a total of $8.

For how many hours did she rent skates ?

Step 3 :

Solve the equation 2h  =  8. 

Divide by '2' on both sides

2h/2  =  8/2

h  =  4

So, Kim rented skates for 4 hours. 

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