Defining Variables in Word Problems

In order to join an online learning community, there is a $20 startup fee and a $5 monthly fee. What could the equation look like?

• y = 5x + 20

• y = 20x + 5

• 20x + 5y = c

• 20x = 5y

• 20y = x + 5

In order to join an online learning community, there is a $20 startup fee and a $5 monthly fee. What could we use to define x?

• cost per month

• number of months

• cost for start up

• 5

• total cost

In order to join an online learning community, there is a $20 startup fee and a $5 monthly fee. What could we use to define y?

• cost per month

• number of months

• cost for start up

• 20

• total cost

Suppose that a bike rents for $4 plus $1.50 per hour. What could we use to define x?

• cost per hour

• number of hours

• total cost

• 1.50

• 4

Suppose that a bike rents for $4 plus $1.50 per hour. What could we use to define y?

• cost per hour

• number of hours

• total cost

• 1.50

• 4

Daniel went to a fruit market where he found that oranges cost $4 per pound and bananas cost $2 per pound. He bought some oranges and bananas and the total cost was $28.

What could we use to define x?

• cost of oranges

• total cost

• number of pounds of oranges

• 4

Daniel went to a fruit market where he found that oranges cost $4 per pound and bananas cost $2 per pound. He bought some oranges and bananas and the total cost was $28.

What could we use to define y?

• cost of bananas

• total cost

• number of pounds of bananas

• 2

Zoe went to a store where hats are priced at $10 each and gloves are priced at $5 each. She bought some hats and gloves and the total bill came to $30.

What could we use to define x?

• number of hats purchased

• 10

• total bill

• starting amount

Johnny earns $15 per hour dog walking. He wants to earn at least $105 to buy a new bike. Which inequality represents how long Johnny needs to work to afford his new bike?

• 15h ≤ 105

• 15h > 105

• 15h < 105

• 15h ≥ 105

Yellow Cab Taxi charges a $1.75 flat rate in addition to $0.65 per mile. Katie has no more than $10 to spend on a taxi ride. Which inequality best describes how many miles Katie can ride in this taxi?

• 1.75 + 0.65m < 10

• 1.75 + 0.65m > 10

• 1.75m + 0.65 < 10

• 1.75m + 0.65 > 10