WORD PROBLEMS
Sometimes when solving word problems, it helps to set up an equation.
Set up an equation to represent the situation and solve for the unknown value.
The unknown value is the number of bags of chocolate chips, which we will call x.
The cost per bag of chocolate chips is $2.49.
So, Jillian's total, before tax is added, is the cost per bag times the number of bags, or $2.49x.
Then, the tax, which is $0.80, is added to $2.49x.
$2.49x + $0.80
She spent a total of $10.76.
So, set the expression equal to $10.76 and solve.
$2.49x + $0.80 | = | $10.76 |
$2.49x + $0.80 − $0.80 | = | $10.76 − $0.80 |
$2.49x | = | $9.96 |
$2.49x ÷ $2.49 | = | $9.96 ÷ $2.49 |
x | = | 4 |
So, Jillian bought 4 bags of chocolate chips.