A. The variable would be the number of miles ran, which will be X.
B. Steve ran X miles and Kevin ran X + 4, the two expressions are: X and X +4
C. Add both expressions together to equal the total miles:
The equation would be: X + X+4 = 26
D. solve:
x + x+4 = 26
Combine like terms:
2x +4 = 26
Subtract 4 from both sides:
2x = 22
Divide both sides by 2:
x = 22/2
x = 11
E: Check answer:
Steve ran X miles = X = 11, Steve ran 11 miles.
Kevin ran 4 more than Steve ( x +4) = 11+4 = 15 miles
The sum was 26: 11 + 15 = 26
26 = 26 The answer checks out to be true.
