Quantitative aptitude · lesson 28 of 30 · free

Word problems with equations — Quantitative aptitude for kids

Many word problems become easy once you call the unknown x. Write each sentence of the story as maths, then solve by doing the same thing to both sides until x is alone.

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The method

Let it be x — “call the unknown x, write the story as an equation, then do the same to both sides”

  1. Let x be the thing asked for. Write the other amounts using x.
  2. Turn the story into one equation.
  3. Open brackets, collect x on one side and numbers on the other, then divide.
  4. Check: put x back into the story.

Use it for: Linear equations in Class 7–9, aptitude tests, and any puzzle with an unknown number.

Worked example: A pen costs ₹5 more than a pencil. 2 pens and 3 pencils cost ₹40 in all. What does one pencil cost (in ₹)? → 6

  1. Let a pencil cost x: 2(x + 5) + 3x = 40, so 5x + 10 = 40.
  2. 5x = 30, so x = ₹6.

Check: Pen ₹11: 2 × 11 + 3 × 6 = 22 + 18 = 40 ✓

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✏️ Practice

Work it out in your head or on paper, type the answer and press Check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 28 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Equation Word Problems Worksheet

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