Question

Jada writes this equation for the sum of the ages: (x) + (x+3) + (x−2) + 3(x+3) − 1=87.

Explain the meaning of the variable and each term of the equation.

Answer 1

See below:

Explanation:

Variable:

x: Represents the age of someone (let's call them person A).

Terms:

1. (x): This term represents the age of person A.
2. (x+3): This term represents the age of someone else (let's call them person B), who is 3 years older than person A.
3. (x−2): This term represents the age of someone else (let's call them person C), who is 2 years younger than person A.
4. 3(x+3): This term represents the ages of 3 other people who are all the same age as person B (3 years older than person A). Each of these individuals has an age of (x+3), and 3 times that amount is 3(x+3).
5. -1: This term represents a subtraction of 1 year.

Overall equation:

The entire equation represents the sum of the ages of all the people mentioned:

• Person A: x
• Person B: x+3
• Person C: x-2
• 3 people with ages of x+3 each: 3(x+3)
• Subtraction of 1 year: -1

Combined:

(x) + (x+3) + (x−2) + 3(x+3) − 1 = 87

This equation states that the sum of all these ages is equal to 87.

Additional notes:

• By solving the equation, we can find the value of x, which represents the age of person A.
• This equation could be used to represent a real-life situation, such as the ages of a group of friends or family members.