Word Problems from Linear Equations and Formulas

Defining Variables
Defining the variables / pronumerals for the problem is one of the most important steps in solving the
problem. The more precisely you define the variable the easier it is to set up and solve the equation/s.
Using letters that are appropriate to the situation make it easier to remember which variable is which.
Differentiating between whether the pronumeral represents the number of units or the price of units
makes a difference.

Setting up Linear Equations

Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Equals
Plus Subtract Product Quotient Is
Add Take Twice/Thrice Divided by Same
Sum Minus Double/Triple Out of Equivalent
More Difference Per
Total Less Times
Half/Third
Lots of

Be considerate of the order that a problem is presented.

If an addition or subtraction occurs first, you will need to put brackets around it.

Consecutive Numbers Consecutive Even Numbers Consecutive Odd Numbers

𝑥, 𝑥 + 1, 𝑥 + 2 2𝑥, 2𝑥 + 2, 2𝑥 + 4 2𝑥 + 1, 2𝑥 + 3, 2𝑥 + 5

Revenue Cost
The amount earnt for selling 𝑛 units The amount spent to make 𝑛 units
𝑅 = selling price per unit × 𝑛 𝐶 = fixed cost + cost price per unit × 𝑛

Profit Loss
Profit = Revenue − Costs, Revenue > Costs Loss = Costs − Revenue, Revenue < Costs
𝑃 =𝑅−𝐶 𝐿 =𝐶−𝑅

Example
The sum of three consecutive even numbers is
84. What are the three numbers?
Let 2𝑥 be the first even number, then the next
two consecutive numbers are 2𝑥 + 2 and 2𝑥 + 4
Example
A store buys toys to sell for $5 each plus a shipping
fee of $20. The store sells the toys for $12 each.
If the store is to make $100 profit, how many toys
must be sold?

2𝑥 + (2𝑥 + 2) + (2𝑥 + 4) = 84 𝐶 = 5𝑛 + 20, 𝑅 = 12𝑛

6𝑥 + 6 = 84 𝑃 = 12𝑛 − (5𝑛 + 20) = 100

6𝑥 = 78 7𝑛 − 20 = 100

𝑥 = 13 7𝑛 = 120

2𝑥 = 26, 2𝑥 + 2 = 28, 2𝑥 + 4 = 30 𝑛 = 17.1429

Therefore the three even numbers are: The store must sell 18 toys to earn $100 in profit.
26, 28, and 30.