Solve Equations Using Algebra: Examples
These lessons help Grade 7 students learn how to solve equations using Algebra.
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Solving Equations
Algebraic Expressions
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Grade 7 Math Lessons
Common Core For Grade 7
New York State Common Core Math Grade 7, Module 2, Lesson 23
Download worksheets for Grade 7, Module 2, Lesson 23
Lesson 23 Student Outcomes
- Students use algebra to solve equations (of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r where p, q, and r are specific rational numbers); using techniques of making zero (adding the additive inverse) and making one (multiplying by the multiplicative inverse) to solve for the variable.
- Students identify and compare the sequence of operations used to find the solution to an equation algebraically, with the sequence of operations used to solve the equation with tape diagrams. They recognize the steps as being the same.
- Students solve equations for the value of the variable using inverse operations; by making zero (adding the additive inverse) and making one (multiplying by the multiplicative inverse).
Lesson 23 Summary
Equations are useful to model and solve real-world problems. The steps taken to solve an algebraic equation are the same steps used in an arithmetic solution.
NYS Math Module 2 Grade 7 Lesson 23 Exercises
Excercise 1:
1. Youth Group Trip
The youth group is going on a trip to an amusement park in another part of the state. The trip
costs each group member of the group $150, which includes $85 for the hotel and two one-day
combination entrance and meal plan passes.
a. Write an equation representing the cost of the trip. Let P be the cost of the park pass.
b. Solve the equation algebraically to find the cost of the park pass. Then write the reason that justifies each step, using if-then statements.
c. Model the problem using a tape diagram to check your work.
Suppose you want to buy your favorite ice cream bar while at the amusement park and it costs $2.89. If you purchase the ice cream bar and 3 bottles of water, and pay with a $10 bill and receive no change, then how much did each bottle of water cost?
d. Write an equation to model this situation.
e. Solve the equation to determine the cost of one water bottle. Let W be the cost of the water bottle. Then, write the reason that justifies each step, using if-then statements.
f. Model the problem using a tape diagram to check your work.
2. Weekly Allowance
Charlotte receives a weekly allowance from her parents. She spent half of this week’s allowance
at the movies, but earned an additional $4 for performing extra chores. If she didn’t spend any
additional money and finished the week with $12, what is Charlotte’s weekly allowance? Write an
equation that can be used to find the original amount of Charlotte’s weekly allowance. Let A be
the value of Charlotte’s original weekly allowance.
a. Solve the equation to find the original amount of allowance. Then, write the reason that
justifies each step, using if-then statements.
b. Explain your answer in the context of this problem.
c. Charlotte’s goal is to save $100 for her beach trip at the end of the summer. Use the amount
of weekly allowance you found in part (c) to write an equation to determine the number of weeks
that Charlotte must work to meet her goal. Let w represent the number of weeks.
d. In looking at your answer to part (d), and based on the story above, do you think it will
take Charlotte that many weeks to meet her goal? Why or Why not?
3. Travel Baseball Team
Allen is very excited about joining a travel baseball team for the fall season. He wants to
determine how much money he should save to pay for the expenses related to this new team.
Players are required to pay for uniforms, travel expenses, and meals.
a. If Allen buys 4 uniform shirts at one time, he gets a $10 discount so that the total cost of
4 shirts would be $44. Write an algebraic equation that represents the regular price of one
shirt. Solve the equation. Write the reason that justifies each step, using if-then statements.
b. What is the cost of one shirt without the discount?
c. What is the cost of one shirt with the discount?
d. How much more do you pay per shirt if you buy them one at a time (rather than in bulk)?
Allen’s team was also required to buy two pairs of uniform pants and two baseball caps, which
total $68. A pair of pants costs $12 more than a baseball cap.
e. Write an equation that models this situation. Let c represent the cost of a baseball cap.
f. Solve the equation algebraically to find the cost of a baseball cap., Write the reason that
justifies each step, using if-then statements.
g. Model the problem using a tape diagram in order to check your work.
h. What is the cost of one cap?
i. What is the cost of one pair of pants?
1. Youth Group Trip a. - c.
Lesson 23 Problem Set
Write an equation to represent each word problem. Solve the equation showing the steps and then state the value of the variable in the context of the situation.
6. Bob’s monthly phone bill is made up of a $10 fee plus $0.05 per minute. Bob’s phone bill for July was $22. Write an equation to model the situation, using to represent the number of minutes. Solve the equation to determine the number of phone minutes Bob used in July.
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