The Four Step Method: Define your variable(s) Ask: How many things am I looking for? Describe these with a word description and an algebraic description Write Equation (Use a verbal model if needed.) Solve the equation (Show all work.) Answer with a sentence

Jill bought a used car for $200 more than a third of the original price. She paid $7500. What was the original price? The original price = x /3 x = /3 x = 7300 X = The original price was $21,900.

Manny picked out a refrigerator at the Rent-to-Own Store. His contract was to pay a down payment of $520 and $95 a month. The final cost of the refrigerator was $2800. In how many months will Manny own the refrigerator? Number of months = x x = x = 2280 X = 24 Manny had to pay $95 for 24 months.

Mrs. Foley has three children; Anna, Bobbie, and Cathy. Anna is twice Cathy’s age and Bobbie is 4 less than twice Cathy’s age. The sum of the children’s ages is 21. Find the ages of Mrs. Foley’s three children. Anna’s age = 2x Bobbie’s age =2x – 4 Cathy’s age = x 2x + 2x – 4 + x = 21 5x – 4 = 21 5x = 25 X = 5 Cathy was 5. Bobbie was 6. Anna was 10.

Pete is on a diet and is allowed 750 calories for lunch. A chicken sandwich has 540 calories and a single French fry has 15 calories. How many French fries can Pete eat with his chicken sandwich to have a total of 750 calories for lunch? # of French fries = x x = x = 210 X = 14 Pete can eat 14 French fries.