Problem Solving with Multi-Step Equations

The seventh graders from Whispering Pines Middle School are going on a field trip to a local theme park. During the field trip, they encounter some problem-solving with multi-step equations. In order to solve the problems given, they must be sure to read carefully to identify keywords and operations. Then, write a let statement to introduce a variable, and translate it, or turn the problem into an equation. Once an equation has been written, it can be solved to identify the solution. Let's look at the first problem the class has to solve. A group of three hundred thirty-one students are going on a field trip to a theme park. Seven of the students rode in cars to get there, but the rest rode in school buses. If each bus can fit fifty-four students, how many buses will they need to get there? The question reveals that the missing information is the number of buses, so let b equal buses. There are bus riders and car riders that combine to be our total. This is the total students, so three hundred thirty-one should be on one side of the equal sign. Seven of the students are riding in cars, so that is a constant. Lastly, if each bus fits fifty-four students, and buses is b, these terms must be multiplied since it is fifty-four students per bus. This equation can be solved, to find that b equals six, which means that the field trip will require six buses. Once at the park, one of the groups decides to ride the roller coaster called Dragon's Breath. Pause the video and read the problem carefully. The group has eleven students in it, and the roller coaster can fit four people in each row. Three are not riding the roller coaster. First, the let statement can identify the missing variable from the question, let r equal rows. Start building the equation with a total of eleven. From eleven, four riders per row can be subtracted. This equals three, which are the remaining students in the group. When the equation is solved it's concluded that the group will occupy two rows on the roller coaster. Let's take a look at the last example. Remember to identify keywords, write a let statement, and then translate the problem into a proper equation. Pause the video and try it on your own. The let statement will be, let f equal friends since the question asks us to find out how many friends got ducks. And the equation can look like this, or this, or this, depending on how you interpreted the word problem. When any of these equations are solved, it's evident that this student has shared the ducks with five friends. Let's summarize problem-solving with multi-step equations. Remember, it is important to read carefully to identify words that will help us translate it into an equation. Also, be sure to write a let statement to introduce the variable we will use. Lastly, translate it into an equation, solve it, and identify the solution. Problem-solving with equations is something that will be useful in life, not only at the theme park, but also when making purchases, preparing meals, and making many everyday decisions. And now that we have solved all these problems, let's go celebrate by riding some more theme park rides!