Chapter 8.3, Problem 24HP

To determine

Explain how two step equations are used to represent real world problems.

Answer to Problem 24HP

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Explain how two step equations are used to represent real world problems.

Concept Used:

You can use two − step equations to represent and solve real − world problems by translating the words into an algebraic equation, solving the equation, and then interpreting the solution to the equation.

Calculation:

You can use two − step equations to represent and solve real − world problems by translating the words into an algebraic equation, solving the equation, and then interpreting the solution to the equation.

An example of this is: If a rental car costs $20 plus 10 cents per mile driven, how many miles can be driven for $50?

Translating this into an equation gives $20+0.1m=50$ where m is the number of miles driven.

The equation: $20+0.1m=50$

Subtracting 20 on both sides gives: $20-20+0.1m=50-20\Rightarrow 0.1m=30$

Dividing both sides by 0.1 gives: $\frac{0.1m}{0.1}=\frac{30}{0.1}\Rightarrow m=300$

Since m was the number of miles of driven, the solution to the equation is interpreted as 300 miles can be driven.