WRITING EQUATIONS TO MODEL RELATIONSHIPS

We have to do the following three steps to solve any real world problem using the relationships among the quantities. 

(i)  Find the relationship between the quantities

(ii)  Model the relationship as equation

(iii)  Solve for the unknown quantity

For example, 

The cost of each pencil in a store is $0.45. Henry wants to purchase some pencils. How much should Henry pay for his purchase?

To solve this problem, variablel have to be asigned for the unknown quantities "number of pencils" and "Total money paid"

Let x and y be  number of pencils and total money paid respectively. 

Now, we have to find the relationship between the two variables x and y and form it as an equation. 

Since, each pencil costs $0.45, the cost of x number of pens is $0.45x.

Since y stands for the total money paid for x number of poencils, we have

y = $0.45x

If Henry purchases 6 pencils, we have to substitute x = 4 into the above equation to find the total money paid for 4 pens.

y = $0.45(6)

y = $2.70

Therefore, Henry should pay $2.70 for 6 pencils. 

Solved Problems

Problem 1 :

5 more than three times of a number is equal to 5 less than four times of the same number. Write an equation to model the above relationship. 

Solution :

Let x be the number.

3x + 5 = 4x - 5

Problem 2 :

The product of 7 and a number is equal to 10 less than 9 times of the same number. Write an equation to model the above relationship.  

Solution :

Let x be the number.

7x = 9x - 10

Problem 3 :

Suppose you receive $100 for a graduation present, and you deposit it in a savings account. Then each week thereafter, you add $5 to the account but no interest is earned. Write an equation which results the money that you have in your account after some weeks.

Solution :

Let x be the number of weeks and y be the money in the account.

y = 100 + 5x

Problem 4 :

Kevin is spending money at an average rate of $5 per day. After 15 days he has $125 left. The amount left depends on the number of days that have passed. Write an equation which results the money that Kevin has left after some days.

Solution :

Let x be the number of days and y be the money he has left after x days.

Kevin spent $5 per day.

Amount of money spent by Kevin in 15 days :

= 15 ⋅ 5

= $75

Given : After 15 days, he has $125 left.

Aamount of money Kevin had intially :

= $75 + $125

= $200

Therefore, the equation which models the given sitution is

y = 200 - 5x

Problem 5 :

An electricain charges a flat rate of $25 and $8 for each hour he works. Write an equation which gives the total cost for hiring the electrician.

Solution :

Let x be the number of hours and y be the total cost.

y = 25 + 8x

Problem 6 :

A carpenter charges a flat rate of $36 for the first 4 hours and $7 for each additional hours.  Write an equation which gives the total cost for hiring the carpenter for a work lasting more than 5 hours.

Solution :

Let x be the number of hours and y be the total cost.

The carpenter charges a flat rate of $36 for the first 4 hours and $7 for each additional hour, that is for (x - 4) hours.

Therefore,

y = 36 + 7(x - 4)

y = 36 + 7x - 28

y = 7x + 8

In the equation above, x ≥ 4.

Problem 7 :

The cost of an apple is $2.50 and that of a banana is $0.80. Lily bought both the fruits for a total of 16 items and she paid $23. Write a system of equation which can be used to find the number of apples and number of bananas.

Solution :

Let x be the number of apples and y be the number of bananas.

Given : Total number of items bought is 16.

x + y = 16

Given : Lily paid $23 for her purchase.

2.5x + 0.8y = 23

Therefore, the required system is

x + y = 16

2.5x + 0.8y = 23

Problem 8 :

Peter won 27 games in a tournament. In each game Kevin won, he scored either 3 points or 4 points and he scored 93 points in all. Write a system of equation which can be used to find the number of 3-point games and 4-point games won by Kevin.

Solution :

Let x be the number of 3-point games and y be the number of 4-point games won by Kevin.

Given : Peter won 27 games.

x + y = 27

Given : Kevin scored eithet 3 points or 4 points in each game and he won 93 points in all.

3x + 4y = 93

Therefore, the required system of equation :

x + y = 27

3x + 4y = 93

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