Question

Solve the problem algebraically. Clearly define all variables, write an appropriate equation, and solve.

Answer 1

Answer:

Y=8 and X=21

Step-by-step explanation:

The key to solving word (story) problems is to learn how to translate words and phrases into concise, precise math expressions (variables and operations).  Make a table and add to it as you do problems:

      is              means           =

    more than                        +

      twice                              2*x

      sum                               +

      of                            usually means multiply

     ...

Assign variables.  Try to assign variables to the values the problem asks you to find.

In this problem, there are two variables.   Let x = one number;   y = other numbers

Translate:

 "One number is 5 more than twice the other number"    means

            x          =    5    +        2     *      y

 "sum of the two numbers is 29"     means

      x   +   y                    = 29

Now, the easy math.

Use the value for x from the first equation and substitute that into the second equation:

    (5 + 2y)      +     y       =  29

     5 + 3y = 29                    (collect terms)

           3y = 24                (subtract 5 from both sides)

             y = 8

Now, put that value of y into either equation to solve for x  (Which equation is easier??)

     x + 8 = 29

       x  = 21                 (subtract 8 from both sides)

Checking (very important):

 Is 21 really 5 more than 2(8)?

      21 = 5+16     ?

      21  =  21? yes

 Is  21 + 8 = 29  ?

        29 = 29? yes

p.s., learn the process, don't just get the right answer;  there will be lots of problems that are solved the same way!