Question

In 2003, the population of Zimbabwe was about 12.6 million, which was 1 million more than 4 times the population in 1950. Write and solve an equation to find the population p of Zimbabwe in 1950.

Answer 1

Let's set the population of Zimbabwe in 1950 equal to x. 

So in 2003, the population was 12.6 million. So our equation should equal 12.6 million. Here's how you turn the other parts of the problem into an equation:
4x + 1m = 12.6 m

Now to solve.

4x = 12.6m - 1m
4x = 11.6m
x = 11.6m/4
x = 2.9m
In 1950, the population was 2.9 million