Question

independent practice
translate each sentence into an equation. (examples 1 and 2)

1. four less than five times a number is equal to 11.
2. fifteen more than half a number is 9.
3. six less than seven times a number is equal to -20.
4. eight more than four times a number is -12.

Explanation:

Step 1: Translate Sentence 1

Let the number be \( x \). "Five times a number" is \( 5x \), "four less than" means subtract 4, so the equation is \( 5x - 4 = 11 \).

Step 2: Translate Sentence 2

Let the number be \( x \). "Half a number" is \( \frac{1}{2}x \), "fifteen more than" means add 15, so the equation is \( \frac{1}{2}x + 15 = 9 \).

Step 3: Translate Sentence 3

Let the number be \( x \). "Seven times a number" is \( 7x \), "six less than" means subtract 6, so the equation is \( 7x - 6 = -20 \).

Step 4: Translate Sentence 4

Let the number be \( x \). "Four times a number" is \( 4x \), "eight more than" means add 8, so the equation is \( 4x + 8 = -12 \).

Answer:

1. \( 5x - 4 = 11 \)
2. \( \frac{1}{2}x + 15 = 9 \)
3. \( 7x - 6 = -20 \)
4. \( 4x + 8 = -12 \)