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Intermediate Algebra Examples
Modeling with Algebra

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1. Translate the following verbal statement into an equation.
The amount of sand that should be used is the product of 3 and the amount of cement used.
Let S be the amount of sand to be used. Let C be the amount of cement used. The amount of sand must be 3C.
We have two expressions for amount of sand, therefore those two expressions must be equal.  
This yields the desired equation.
S = 3C.

2. Translate the following verbal statement into an equation.
The number of waiters needed is the quotient of the number of customers divided by 10.
Let n be the number of waiters. Let C be the number of customers. The number of waiters must be c over 10.
We have two expressions for number of waiters, therefore those two expressions must be equal.  
This yields the desired equation.
n = c over 10.

3. Translate the following verbal statement into an equation.
The weight of the truck is the sum of the weight of the engine and 1200.
Let T be the weight of truck. Let E be weight of the engine. The weight of truck must be E + 1200.
We have two expressions for weight of truck, therefore those two expressions must be equal.  
This yields the desired equation.
T = E + 1200.

4. Translate the following verbal statement into an equation.
The sum of the tax and 35 is the total cost.
Let C be the total cost. Let t be the tax. The total cost must be t + 35.
We have two expressions for total cost, therefore those two expressions must be equal.  
This yields the desired equation.
C = t + 35.