7B | Write & Solve Equations Study Guide

Unit 8: Equations • Lessons 8.2–8.3 • Standard: 6.AT.8, 6.AT.8

Key Vocabulary

Translate — to change words into a math equation. (traducir)
Model — to represent a situation using numbers, variables, and operations. (modelar)
Represent — to show or stand for something in math form. (representar)
Key Words — words in a problem that tell you which operation to use. (palabras clave)
Unknown — the value you are trying to find (the variable). (incógnita)
Expression — a math phrase with numbers and/or variables but NO equal sign. (expresión)

Key Words → Math Operations

Operation Key Words (English) Symbol
Addition sum, plus, more than, increased by, total, combined +
Subtraction difference, minus, less than, decreased by, fewer −
Multiplication product, times, of, each, per, double, triple ×
Division quotient, divided by, split, per, shared equally ÷
Equals is, equals, the result is, gives, was =

Step-by-Step: Write & Solve

  1. 1 Read the word problem carefully. Read it twice!
  2. 2 Identify the unknown — What are you trying to find? Use a variable (like x or n).
  3. 3 Find key words — Underline words that tell you the operation.
  4. 4 Write the equation — Translate the words into math symbols.
  5. 5 Solve using inverse operations.
  6. 6 Check — Does your answer make sense in the original problem?
Example: "Maria has some stickers. She gave away 14 and has 29 left. How many did she start with?"
Unknown: x = stickers she started with
Key words: "gave away" → subtraction, "has left" → result
Equation: x − 14 = 29
Solve: x = 29 + 14 = 43
Check: 43 − 14 = 29 ✓

Watch Out!

Practice Problems

1. A number plus 18 equals 45. What is the number?

2. Carlos earned $56 mowing lawns. He earned $8 per lawn. How many lawns did he mow? (Solve: 8n = 56)

3. A pizza was shared equally among friends. Each person got 4 slices and there were 24 slices total. How many friends shared? (Solve: 24 ÷ n = 4)

4. After spending $35, Aisha has $52 left. How much money did she start with?