Translating a Sentence Into a One-Step Equation

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Introduction

In this type of problems we translate word problems or sentences into one-step equations using variables and numbers.

Problem 1

Translate the sentence, The sum of 16 and Ronnies age is 30, into a one-step equation

Solution

Step 1:

Given the sentence, The sum of 16 and Ronnies age is 30

Let us assume that Ronnies age is a

Step 2:

The sum implies an addition operation.

Then sum of 16 and Ronnies age translates to 16 + a

Step 3:

The word is implies an equation.

So we translate the given sentence into a one-step equation as follows

16 + a = 30

Problem 2

Translate the sentence, The difference of Dianas score and 21 is 17, into a one-step equation

Solution

Step 1:

Given the sentence, The difference of Dianas score and 21 is 17

Let us assume that Dianas score is s

Step 2:

The difference implies a subtraction operation.

Then difference of Dianas score and 21 is s 21

Step 3:

The word is implies an equation.

So we translate the given sentence into a one-step equation as follows

s 21 = 17