Algebra word problem solve for x

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Kiwiman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Algebra Word problem
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a word problem involving the prices of a can of tomato sauce and pounds of apples. Participants are seeking assistance in formulating and solving the equations derived from the problem, which is framed within a mathematical context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem and requests help in solving it, expressing frustration.
  • Another participant introduces variables for the prices of tomato sauce and apples, translating the word problem into two equations.
  • A mathematical approach is outlined, showing how to derive the price of apples from the equations.
  • There is a challenge regarding the difference between helping to solve a problem and explaining the solution process.
  • Some participants express curiosity about the original poster's motivation for seeking help, suggesting a desire for understanding over just obtaining an answer.
  • A repeated request for assistance with the same problem indicates a potential lack of response or engagement from the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the best approach to solving the problem, and the discussion includes varying perspectives on the nature of assistance being sought.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps needed to find the price of tomato sauce, and assumptions about the participants' understanding of the problem are not explicitly stated.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in algebraic problem-solving, particularly in the context of word problems, may find this discussion relevant.

Kiwiman
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Help me solve this word problem please & explain how you did it-thanks so much, I 'm tearing my hair out.

Jason purchased a can of tomato sauce and three pounds of apples for $\$7.05$. Gina purchased a can of tomato sauce and 5 pounds of apples for $\$11.35$. What is the price of the tomato sauce?
 

Attachments

  • mhb_toolbar.png
    mhb_toolbar.png
    3 KB · Views: 176
Last edited by a moderator:
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Hi Kiwiman! Welcome to MHB!

First, we let $T$ to represent the price of a can of tomato sauce and $A$ to represent the price of one pound of apples.

The first statement of the problem can be translated into a mathematical equation, which is

$T+3A=\$ 7.05$

and the second statement of the problem can be translated into another mathematical equation, i.e.

$T+5A=\$ 11.35$

If we subtract the second equation from the first equation, we get

$T+5A-(T+3A)=\$ 11.35-\$ 7.05\\T+5A-T-3A=\$ 4.30\\2A=\$ 4.30 \\A=\$ 2.15$

Once we get the value of $A$, can you tell me what should we do to find the value of $T$?
 
Do you understand that "helping you solve a problem" and "explaining how I solved the problem" are completely different things?
 
50/50 we hear back from this user. Would love to be proven wrong. I hope this teasing gets a reply.

Why do you want an answer so badly, @Kiwiman ? Wouldn't you prefer to know how to do it from now on feel more confident about math? :)
 
Kiwiman said:
Help me solve this word problem please & explain how you did it-thanks so much, I 'm tearing my hair out.

Jason purchased a can of tomato sauce and three pounds of apples for $\$7.05$. Gina purchased a can of tomato sauce and 5 pounds of apples for $\$11.35$. What is the price of the tomato sauce?
Let T be the cost of a can of tomato sauce and A the cost of a pound of apples. Then "a can of tomato sauce and 5 pounds of apples" cost T+ 5A= 11.35 and "a can of tomato sauce and 3 pounds of apples" cost T+ 3A= 7.05.

Solve the two equations
T+ 5A= 11.35
T+ 3A= 7.05

I wonder what they intend to make with tomato sauce and apples!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K