How to Translate to an Equation and Solve
How to Translate to an Equation and Solve
Now that we have solved equations with decimals, we are ready to translate word sentences to equations and solve. Remember to look for words and phrases that indicate the operations to use.
Example
Translate and solve: The difference of \(n\) and \(4.3\) is \(2.1.\)
Solution
| Translate. | ||
| Add \(4.3\) to both sides of the equation. | ||
| Simplify. | ||
| Check: | Is the difference of \(n\) and 4.3 equal to 2.1? | |
| Let \(n=6.4\): | Is the difference of 6.4 and 4.3 equal to 2.1? | |
| Translate. | ||
| Simplify. | ||
Example
Translate and solve: The product of \(-3.1\) and \(x\) is \(5.27.\)
| Translate. | ||
| Divide both sides by \(-3.1\). | ||
| Simplify. | ||
| Check: | Is the product of −3.1 and \(x\) equal to \(5.27\)? | |
| Let \(x=-1.7\): | Is the product of \(-3.1\) and \(-1.7\) equal to \(5.27\)? | |
| Translate. | ||
| Simplify. | ||
Example
Translate and solve: The quotient of \(p\) and \(-2.4\) is \(6.5.\)
| Translate. | ||
| Multiply both sides by \(-2.4\). | ||
| Simplify. | ||
| Check: | Is the quotient of \(p\) and \(-2.4\) equal to \(6.5\)? | |
| Let \(p=-15.6:\) | Is the quotient of \(-15.6\) and \(-2.4\) equal to \(6.5\)? | |
| Translate. | ||
| Simplify. | ||
Example
Translate and solve: The sum of \(n\) and \(2.9\) is \(1.7.\)
| Translate. | ||
| Subtract \(2.9\) from each side. | ||
| Simplify. | ||
| Check: | Is the sum \(n\) and \(2.9\) equal to \(1.7\)? | |
| Let \(n=-1.2:\) | Is the sum \(-1.2\) and \(2.9\) equal to \(1.7\)? | |
| Translate. | ||
| Simplify. | ||
This lesson is part of:
Introducing Decimals
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