Scenario: Savings Goals - Learn to solve equations by planning your savings!
Sarah has $120 in her savings account. She wants to save $300 total. She plans to save $15 per week. How many weeks will it take to reach her goal?
Setting up the equation:
Current savings + (Weekly savings × Number of weeks) = Goal
120 + 15x = 300
Step 1: Subtract 120 from both sides
120 + 15x - 120 = 300 - 120
15x = 180
Step 2: Divide both sides by 15
15x ÷ 15 = 180 ÷ 15
x = 12
Answer: It will take 12 weeks to reach the savings goal.
Key Rule: To solve equations, use inverse operations to isolate the variable.
x + 7 = 15
x + 7 - 7 = 15 - 7
x = 8
3x = 21
3x ÷ 3 = 21 ÷ 3
x = 7
Order of Operations (Reverse):
Solve: 2(x - 3) + 5 = 13
Step 1: Distribute
2(x - 3) + 5 = 13
2x - 6 + 5 = 13
Step 2: Combine like terms
2x - 1 = 13
Step 3: Add 1 to both sides
2x = 14
Step 4: Divide by 2
x = 7
Solve: x - 8 = 15
Your solution:
Solve: 3x + 7 = 22
Your solution:
A gym membership costs $25 per month plus a $50 sign-up fee. If you pay $175 total, how many months did you use the membership?
Your calculation: