Question

a newborn boa constrictor measure 18 inches long. An adult boa constrictor measures 9 times the lenght of the newborn plus 2 inches. how long is the adult?

Answer 1

Newborn = 18 inches
adult boa = 9 * 18 + 2 = 164 inches

Since all the information is given, then merely put the necessary facts in order. 

Had the length of the newborn been unknown, it would have been represented by x.

9x + 2 = 164
9x = 164 - 2
9x = 162
9x/9 = 162/9
x = 18

Answer 2

Start with 18 × 9 = 162
Next add 162 + 2 = 164
Last put 164 on the papper