Solve Two-Step Linear Equations

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7th Grade Math › Solve Two-Step Linear Equations

Questions 11 - 20
11

A museum charges $\$12$ for each ticket and adds a one-time online processing fee of $$3$. If a group paid $\$75$ total, how many tickets did they buy? Solve $12t+3=75$.

$t=6.25$

$t=6$

$t=5$

$t=72$

Explanation

This question tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the px + q = r form, where you multiply a variable by a coefficient and then add a constant, using inverse operations to isolate the variable. To solve px + q = r, first subtract q from both sides to isolate the variable term, for example, 12t + 3 = 75 becomes 12t = 72, then divide both sides by p to isolate the variable, so 12t ÷ 12 = 72 ÷ 12 gives t = 6; for the other form p(x + q) = r, divide by p first then subtract q, and always verify by substituting back, like 12 × 6 + 3 = 72 + 3 = 75, which checks out in the context of museum tickets at $12 each plus $3 fee totaling $75 for t tickets. For this specific problem, the equation is given as 12t + 3 = 75, subtract 3 to get 12t = 72, divide by 12 to find t = 6, verify 12 × 6 + 3 = 75, and interpret as 6 tickets bought. The correct two-step process yields t = 6, which is choice A. Common errors include subtracting only and forgetting to divide (t = 72, choice D), reversing order by dividing first (75 ÷ 12 = 6.25 then subtract 3, choice C), sign errors like adding instead (12t = 78), arithmetic mistakes (72 ÷ 12 = 5), or wrong setup though it's provided. Strategy tips include identifying the px + q = r form from per-ticket cost plus fixed fee, applying inverse operations in reverse (subtract then divide), maintaining equality by doing the same to both sides, verifying by substitution and context sense (6 tickets at $12 is $72 plus $3 totals $75, reasonable), and checking reasonableness. Compared to arithmetic working backwards (75 - 3 = 72, 72 ÷ 12 = 6), algebra generalizes for any total; avoid mistakes like stopping after one step, wrong order, sign errors, or mismatched setup.

12

A school fundraiser sells tubs of cookie dough for $\$8.75$ each. The club also pays a one-time booth rental fee of $\$10.00$. If the total cost was $\$80.00$, how many tubs did they buy? Solve $8.75x+10=80$.

$x=6$

$x=9$

$x=8$

$x=70$

Explanation

This question tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the px + q = r form, where you multiply a variable by a coefficient and then add a constant, using inverse operations to isolate the variable. To solve px + q = r, first subtract q from both sides to isolate the variable term, for example, 8.75x + 10 = 80 becomes 8.75x = 70, then divide both sides by p to isolate the variable, so 8.75x ÷ 8.75 = 70 ÷ 8.75 gives x = 8; for the other form p(x + q) = r, divide by p first then subtract q, and always verify by substituting back, like 8.75 × 8 + 10 = 70 + 10 = 80, which checks out in the context of cookie dough tubs at $8.75 each plus $10 fee totaling $80 for x tubs. For this specific problem, the equation is given as 8.75x + 10 = 80, subtract 10 to get 8.75x = 70, divide by 8.75 to find x = 8, verify 8.75 × 8 + 10 = 80, and interpret as 8 tubs bought. The correct two-step process yields x = 8, which is choice A. Common errors include subtracting only and forgetting to divide (x = 70, choice C), reversing order by dividing first (80 ÷ 8.75 ≈ 9.14 then subtract 10, nonsensical), sign errors like adding instead (8.75x = 90), arithmetic mistakes (70 ÷ 8.75 = 9 or 6), or wrong setup though it's provided. Strategy tips include identifying the px + q = r form from per-tub cost plus fixed fee, applying inverse operations in reverse (subtract then divide), maintaining equality by doing the same to both sides, verifying by substitution and context sense (8 tubs at $8.75 is $70 plus $10 totals $80, reasonable), and checking reasonableness. Compared to arithmetic working backwards (80 - 10 = 70, 70 ÷ 8.75 = 8), algebra generalizes for any total; avoid mistakes like stopping after one step, wrong order, sign errors, or mismatched setup.

13

Verify a solution: A tutoring session costs $\$18$ per hour plus a $$6$ materials fee. The total bill was $\$78$. Which value of $h$ correctly solves $18h+6=78$ and fits the situation?

$h=3$

$h=\frac{7}{2}$

$h=\frac{13}{3}$

$h=4$

Explanation

This question tests verifying solutions to two-step equations from word problems in the px + q = r form, solving with inverse operations and checking fit. To solve 18h + 6 = 78, subtract 6 from both sides: 18h = 72, then divide by 18: h = 4; verify by substituting: 18 × 4 + 6 = 72 + 6 = 78, which checks out in the context of $18 per hour plus $6 fee totaling $78. For this specific problem, the equation is given as 18h + 6 = 78, solve step 1 by subtracting 6 to get 18h = 72, step 2 by dividing by 18 to get h = 4, verify 18 × 4 + 6 = 78, and interpret as 4 hours tutored. The correct value is h = 4, which is choice B. Common errors include solutions like h = 3 giving 18 × 3 + 6 = 60 ≠ 78, or h = 13/3 ≈ 4.33 giving 18 × (13/3) + 6 = 78 + 6 = 84 ≠ 78, or h = 7/2 = 3.5 giving 18 × 3.5 + 6 = 69 ≠ 78, or arithmetic mistakes in verification. Strategy tips include identifying the form px + q = r, applying inverse operations by subtracting then dividing, maintaining equality, verifying by substituting back to ensure equality and contextual sense (4 hours at $18 is $72 plus $6 = $78), and checking reasonableness for positive integer hours. Comparing to arithmetic, working backwards by subtracting 6 then dividing by 18 matches; avoid mistakes like partial solving or ignoring the verification step.

14

Solve the equation $5(x+3)=40$.

$x=5$

$x=8$

$x=11$

$x=37$

Explanation

This question tests solving two-step equations in the p(x + q) = r form, where you multiply a grouped expression by a coefficient, using inverse operations to isolate the variable. To solve p(x + q) = r, first divide both sides by p to isolate the grouped term, for example, 5(x + 3) = 40 becomes x + 3 = 8, then subtract q from both sides to isolate the variable, so x = 8 - 3 = 5; verify by substituting back: 5(5 + 3) = 5 × 8 = 40, which checks out. For this specific problem, the equation is given as 5(x + 3) = 40, solve step 1 by dividing by 5 to get x + 3 = 8, step 2 by subtracting 3 to get x = 5, and verify 5(5 + 3) = 40. The correct two-step process yields x = 5, which is choice A. Common errors include expanding incorrectly as 5x + 3 = 40 then solving to x = 37 / 5 = 7.4, or reversing operations by subtracting first inside the parentheses nonsensically, or arithmetic mistakes like 40 / 5 = 8 then 8 - 3 = 5 but miscounting, or confusing with px + q = r form. Strategy tips include identifying the equation form p(x + q) = r, applying inverse operations in reverse order by dividing then subtracting to undo the operations, maintaining equality by doing the same to both sides, verifying by substituting back to ensure it satisfies the equation, and checking reasonableness since x=5 makes the grouped term 8 multiplied by 5 equal 40. Comparing to arithmetic, working backwards by dividing 40 by 5 then subtracting 3 gives the same answer, but algebra allows generalizing; avoid mistakes like stopping after one step or incorrect expansion.

15

Compare methods: A streaming movie rental costs $\$4$ per movie plus a $$3$ one-time fee. Sam paid $\$27$ total. Which choice correctly shows both an algebraic equation and the correct number of movies?

Equation: $4+3m=27$; Solution: $m=6$

Equation: $4m+3=27$; Solution: $m=6$

Equation: $4(m+3)=27$; Solution: $m=6$

Equation: $4m+3=27$; Solution: $m=24$

Explanation

This question tests solving two-step equations from word problems and comparing setups in the px + q = r or p(x + q) = r forms, using inverse operations and verifying correctness. To solve px + q = r, subtract q then divide by p, for example, 4m + 3 = 27 becomes 4m = 24 then m = 6; verify: 4 × 6 + 3 = 27, which matches the context of $4 per movie plus $3 fee totaling $27. For this specific problem, evaluate choices: choice A has correct equation 4m + 3 = 27 and solution m = 6 (subtract 3: 4m = 24, divide by 4: m = 6), verified as 4 × 6 + 3 = 27, interpreting as 6 movies rented. The correct choice is A, with proper equation and two-step solution m = 6. Common errors include wrong equation like 4 + 3m = 27 solving to m = (23)/3 ≈ 7.67 but listed as 6, or correct equation but wrong solution like m = 24 by subtracting only, or p(x + q) = r as 4(m + 3) = 27 solving to m = 3.75 but listed as 6. Strategy tips include identifying the correct form px + q = r from context (per movie then add fee), applying inverse operations in reverse, maintaining equality, verifying both equation and solution by substitution (should equal 27 and fit 6 movies), and checking reasonableness (6 movies at $4 is $24 plus $3 = $27). Comparing choices, only A has both correct; avoid mistakes like reversing coefficients or not verifying the solution.

16

A school club charges a $4.50 sign-up fee plus $2.25 per week. If a student paid $24.75 total, how many weeks did they pay for? Write an equation and solve.

7 weeks

9 weeks

10 weeks

11 weeks

Explanation

This problem tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the form px+q=r, where we multiply the variable then add a constant, using inverse operations. The club charges $2.25 per week (variable cost) plus a $4.50 sign-up fee (fixed cost), totaling $24.75, so we write 2.25w + 4.50 = 24.75 where w is the number of weeks. To solve: (1) subtract 4.50 from both sides to isolate the variable term (2.25w = 20.25), then (2) divide by 2.25 to isolate w (w = 20.25 ÷ 2.25 = 9). The student paid for 9 weeks. Common errors include: stopping after one step (getting 20.25 as the answer), reversing operations (dividing first: 24.75÷2.25=11, then subtracting 4.50=6.50), or arithmetic mistakes (20.25÷2.25=8). Strategy: identify the equation form from context (weekly rate × weeks + fixed fee = total), apply inverse operations in reverse order (subtract then divide), and verify by substituting back (2.25×9+4.50=20.25+4.50=24.75✓).

17

A game store sells used games for $$\8$$ each, and you also pay a $$\5$$ membership fee one time. Your total was $$\61$$. How many games did you buy? Write an equation and solve.

8 games

9 games

6 games

7 games

Explanation

This problem tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the form $px + q = r$, where we multiply the variable then add a constant, using inverse operations. The store charges $8 per game (variable cost) plus a $5 membership fee (fixed cost), totaling $61, so we write $8g + 5 = 61$ where g is the number of games. To solve: (1) subtract 5 from both sides to isolate the variable term ($8g = 56$), then (2) divide by 8 to isolate g ($g = 56 ÷ 8 = 7$). You bought 7 games. Common errors include: stopping after one step (getting 56 as the answer), reversing operations (dividing first: $61 ÷ 8 = 7.625$, then subtracting 5=2.625), or arithmetic mistakes ($56 ÷ 8 = 6$ or 8). Strategy: identify the equation form from context (price per game × games + membership fee = total), apply inverse operations in reverse order (subtract then divide), and verify by substituting back ($8 × 7 + 5 = 56 + 5 = 61 ✓$).

18

Compare methods: A streaming service charges $9.75 per month plus a one-time $4.50 fee. The total paid was $53.25. How many months were paid for? (You could solve algebraically or by working backward.)

7 months

5 months

6 months

4 months

Explanation

This problem tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the form $px + q = r$, where we multiply the variable then add a constant, using inverse operations. The streaming service costs $9.75 per month (variable cost) plus a $4.50 fee (fixed cost), totaling $53.25, so we write $9.75m + 4.50 = 53.25$ where m is the number of months. To solve algebraically: (1) subtract 4.50 from both sides ($9.75m = 48.75$), then (2) divide by 9.75 ($m = 48.75 ÷ 9.75 = 5$). Working backward gives the same result: $$53.25 - $4.50 = \$48.75$, then $\$48.75 ÷ $9.75 = 5$ months. Common errors include: stopping after one step, reversing operations, or arithmetic mistakes with decimals. Both methods—algebraic equation solving and working backward—yield 5 months, demonstrating that algebra generalizes the arithmetic approach of undoing operations in reverse order.

19

A movie theater sells a snack combo for $\6.25$ each, plus a one-time online order fee of $\2.50$. If the total was $\40$, how many combos were ordered? Write and solve an equation of the form $px+q=r$.

$6.25$ combos

$5$ combos

$8$ combos

$6$ combos

Explanation

This question tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the $px + q = r$ form, where you multiply a variable by a coefficient and then add a constant, using inverse operations to isolate the variable. To solve $px + q = r$, first subtract $q$ from both sides to isolate the variable term, for example, $6.25x + 2.5 = 40$ becomes $6.25x = 37.5$, then divide both sides by $p$ to isolate the variable, so $6.25x / 6.25 = 37.5 / 6.25$ gives $x = 6$; always verify by substituting back, like $6.25 \times 6 + 2.5 = 37.5 + 2.5 = 40$, which checks out. For this specific problem, set up the equation from the context: $6.25x + 2.5 = 40$, subtract $2.5$ to get $6.25x = 37.5$, divide by $6.25$ to find $x = 6$, verify $6.25 \times 6 + 2.5 = 40$, and interpret as 6 combos ordered. The correct two-step process yields $x = 6$, which is choice A. Common errors include arithmetic mistakes ($37.5 / 6.25 = 5$ wrongly), dividing first ($40 / 6.25 = 6.4$, subtract $2.5 \approx 3.9$ nonsense), one-step only ($40 - 2.5 = 37.5$, forget divide), or setup wrong ($2.5x + 6.25 = 40$). Strategy: identify the equation form $px + q = r$ from the context, apply inverse operations in reverse order (subtract then divide to undo add then multiply), maintain equality by doing the same to both sides, verify by substituting back to ensure it satisfies the equation and makes sense ($6$ combos at $\6.25$ is $\37.50$ plus $\2.50$ fee totals $\40$), and check reasonableness (total near $6 \times 6.25 +$ small fee). Comparing to arithmetic, work backwards: $40 - 2.5 = 37.5$, $37.5 / 6.25 = 6$, same answer; algebra generalizes for any total; avoid mistakes like sign errors or stopping early.

20

A sports store has a deal: you pay $\$4$ for each item, but the number of items is $2$ more than the number of friends you are shopping for. The total cost was $$36$. How many friends were you shopping for? (Solve $4(x+2)=36$.)

$7$ friends

$9$ friends

$5$ friends

$11$ friends

Explanation

This question tests solving two-step equations from word problems in the p(x + q) = r form, where you multiply a grouped expression by a coefficient, using inverse operations to isolate the variable. To solve p(x + q) = r, first divide both sides by p to isolate the grouped term, for example, 4(x + 2) = 36 becomes x + 2 = 9, then subtract q from both sides to isolate the variable, so x = 9 - 2 = 7; always verify by substituting back, like 4(7 + 2) = 4 × 9 = 36, which checks out. For this specific problem, use the given equation 4(x + 2) = 36, divide by 4 to get x + 2 = 9, subtract 2 to find x = 7, verify 4(7 + 2) = 36, and interpret as shopping for 7 friends (with 9 items total). The correct two-step process yields x = 7, which is choice B. Common errors include subtracting first inside (wrongly 4x + 2 = 36, then mistakes), order reversed (subtract 2 from 36 = 34, divide by 4 = 8.5 nonsense), arithmetic error (36 / 4 = 8, then 8 - 2 = 6), or misinterpreting (solving for items not friends). Strategy: identify the equation form p(x + q) = r from the context, apply inverse operations in reverse order (divide then subtract to undo multiply after add), maintain equality by doing the same to both sides, verify by substituting back to ensure it satisfies the equation and makes sense (7 friends mean 9 items at $4 is $36), and check reasonableness (total divisible by 4 after adjusting for +2). Comparing to arithmetic, work backwards: 36 / 4 = 9, 9 - 2 = 7, same answer; algebra generalizes for any total; avoid mistakes like wrong order or setup mismatch.

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