Question 9 on the MAT0020/24C Beginning Algebra State Exam

Translate a Word Problem into an Algebraic Expression

 

 

9.  The sum of a number and 16 is 4 less than twice the number.

Find the equation that could be used to find this number, x.                               

 

A.        B.        C.     D. 

 

 

Solution:

 

The sum of a number and 16 is 4 more than twice the number.

 

Translating each part:

 

The sum of a number and 16 means:  x + 16

 

The word “is” means “=”

 

Then 4 less than twice the number means:  2x - 4

 

 

The solution is:  x + 16 = 2x - 4

 

 

Practice Problems for Question 9

Translate a Word Problem into an Algebraic Expression

Solutions Below

 

1.  If 9 times a number is increased by 20, the result is 22 less than the square of the number.  Choose the equation that could be used to find this number x.

 

a.                          b.                     

c.                             d. 

 

 

 

 

2.  The sum of a number and 2 is 3 more than twice the number.

Find the equation that could be used to find this number, x.

 

a.              b.        c.          d. 

 

 

 

 

3.  If 3 times the sum of a number and 5 is equal to 7.

Find the equation that could be used to find this number, x.

 

a.              b.                c.                d. 

 

 

 

 

4.  If 6 times a number is decreased by 8, the result is 5 less than twice the number.  Choose the equation that could be used to find this number x.

 

a.                              b.                   

c.                                 d. 

 

 

 

 

Solutions:

1.  d                 2.  d                 3.  a                 4.  c