Subtract 14 from both sides

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 132 views

Solving Word Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing and Solving Equations

Understanding the Problem

Brooklyn needs to earn $14 more dollars to have $32. To find out how much money Brooklyn has now, we need to identify the steps needed to write and solve an equation for the word problem.

Step 1: Identify the Variable

What is the variable? The variable is the unknown value we are trying to find. In this case, the variable is the amount of money Brooklyn has now.
Label the variable. Let's call the variable x, which represents the amount of money Brooklyn has now.

Step 2: Identify the Constant

What is the constant? The constant is a known value that is not changing. In this case, the constant is the amount of money Brooklyn needs to earn, which is $14.
Label the constant. Let's call the constant c, which represents the amount of money Brooklyn needs to earn.

Step 3: Write the Equation

What is the equation? The equation is a mathematical statement that represents the relationship between the variable and the constant. In this case, the equation is x + c = 32, where x is the amount of money Brooklyn has now and c is the amount of money Brooklyn needs to earn.
Simplify the equation. We can simplify the equation by substituting the value of c, which is $14. The equation becomes x + 14 = 32.

Step 4: Solve the Equation

What is the solution? The solution is the value of the variable that satisfies the equation. To find the solution, we need to isolate the variable x.
Subtract 14 from both sides. To isolate x, we need to subtract 14 from both sides of the equation. This gives us x = 32 - 14.
Simplify the equation. We can simplify the equation by evaluating the expression 32 - 14, which gives us x = 18.

Conclusion

Brooklyn has $18 now. To find the solution, we need to follow the steps outlined above: identify the variable, identify the constant, write the equation, and solve the equation.

Additional Tips

Read the problem carefully. Before starting to solve the problem, read it carefully to identify the variable and the constant.
Use variables and labels. Use variables and labels to make the problem easier to understand and to avoid confusion.
Simplify the equation. Simplify the equation by substituting the value of the constant and by isolating the variable.
Check the solution. Check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation to make sure it is true.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not identifying the variable. Make sure to identify the variable and label it correctly.
Not identifying the constant. Make sure to identify the constant and label it correctly.
Not simplifying the equation. Make sure to simplify the equation by substituting the value of the constant and by isolating the variable.
Not checking the solution. Make sure to check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation to make sure it is true.

Real-World Applications

Personal finance. Word problems like this one can be used to solve personal finance problems, such as calculating how much money you need to save for a specific goal.
Business. Word problems like this one can be used to solve business problems, such as calculating how much money a company needs to earn to meet its financial goals.
Science. Word problems like this one can be used to solve science problems, such as calculating how much energy is required to complete a specific task.

Conclusion

Solving word problems like this one requires following a series of steps: identifying the variable, identifying the constant, writing the equation, and solving the equation. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can solve word problems like this one and apply the skills to real-world situations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solving Word Problems

Q: What is a word problem?

A: A word problem is a mathematical problem that is presented in a real-world context, using words and phrases to describe a situation or scenario. Word problems can be used to solve a wide range of mathematical problems, from simple addition and subtraction to complex algebra and calculus.

Q: How do I identify the variable in a word problem?

A: To identify the variable in a word problem, you need to read the problem carefully and look for the unknown value that you are trying to find. The variable is usually represented by a letter or a symbol, such as x or y.

Q: What is the difference between a variable and a constant?

A: A variable is an unknown value that is represented by a letter or a symbol, while a constant is a known value that is not changing. In a word problem, the variable is usually the value that you are trying to find, while the constant is a value that is given in the problem.

Q: How do I write an equation for a word problem?

A: To write an equation for a word problem, you need to translate the words and phrases in the problem into mathematical symbols and expressions. This involves identifying the variable and the constant, and then writing an equation that represents the relationship between them.

Q: What is the order of operations in solving a word problem?

A: The order of operations in solving a word problem is:

Read the problem carefully and identify the variable and the constant.
Write an equation that represents the relationship between the variable and the constant.
Simplify the equation by combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary symbols.
Solve the equation by isolating the variable and finding its value.
Check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation to make sure it is true.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving word problems?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving word problems include:

Not reading the problem carefully and identifying the variable and the constant.
Not writing an equation that represents the relationship between the variable and the constant.
Not simplifying the equation by combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary symbols.
Not solving the equation by isolating the variable and finding its value.
Not checking the solution by plugging it back into the original equation to make sure it is true.

Q: How can I apply the skills I learn from solving word problems to real-world situations?

A: The skills you learn from solving word problems can be applied to a wide range of real-world situations, including:

Personal finance: Word problems can be used to solve personal finance problems, such as calculating how much money you need to save for a specific goal.
Business: Word problems can be used to solve business problems, such as calculating how much money a company needs to earn to meet its financial goals.
Science: Word problems can be used to solve science problems, such as calculating how much energy is required to complete a specific task.

Q: What are some tips for improving my skills in solving word problems?

A: Some tips for improving your skills in solving word problems include:

Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice solving word problems, the more comfortable you will become with the process.
Read the problem carefully: Make sure to read the problem carefully and identify the variable and the constant.
Use variables and labels: Use variables and labels to make the problem easier to understand and to avoid confusion.
Simplify the equation: Simplify the equation by combining like terms and eliminating any unnecessary symbols.
Check the solution: Check the solution by plugging it back into the original equation to make sure it is true.

Conclusion

Solving word problems requires a combination of mathematical skills and critical thinking. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can improve your skills in solving word problems and apply them to real-world situations.