Linear Equations Word Problems P1: Maths
Linear equations solve problems involving a relationship between two variables, usually represented by x and y. These problems involve finding one variable's value given the other variable's value. In real-life situations, linear equations can help us make decisions by modelling scenarios with different variables.
Here are some examples of linear equations word problems:
Let x be the total cost of a pay-as-you-go plan.
Let y be the total cost of the monthly contract.
For the pay-as-you-go plan, the cost is proportional to the number of minutes used: x = 10p × 300 = £30.
The monthly contract costs are fixed at £20, regardless of the number of minutes used.
To determine which plan is better value, we need to compare the total cost for each plan: x > y or x < y.
y = £20 (because 500 minutes are included in the monthly contract and 300 minutes are being used)
x > y because £30 > £20, therefore the pay-as-you-go plan is better value.