Organize the Problem & Solution
Solving math problems requires organized thought. The best way to organize your thoughts is to write them down. Take the following problem.
The cab driver charges $1.35 as a flat rate plus an additional $0.23 per mile. Write an equation that shows the total cab costs.
Since the driver charges $0.23 per mile, we know that we have a variable within the equation. Let's call it m for miles. So we now have an equation where you pay $1.35 flat plus an amount that represents the mileage charge (miles times the 0.23 rate). The equation would look like the following.
1.35 + 0.23(m) = total charge
If you went 5 miles, the charge would be 1.35 + .23(5) = $2.5
One way you could've created the model is to do some examples. Imagine you're in the cab and you went 7 mile, what do you expect to spend? Try other numbers. You'll notice that the only thing changing is the number of miles. So, that becomes the variable. Then write out the same examples using the variable...and you're done.
What if you only have $16 to spend. How many miles could you go?
This is another solving for the unknown variable type of problem. You need to know how to do 1 and 2 step equations to solve for the unknown. You can set the question up as follows.
m = miles, total amount to spend = 16
1.35 + 0.23(m) = 16 .... now solve for m
0.23m = 14.65
divide both sides by 0.23.... and m = 63.7...voila you can go 63.7 miles
Try this one...
Maggie can only spend up to $18 on a cab. Which expression below represents what Maggie can afford. (m is the distance in miles)
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