Translating a Sentence Into a One-Step Equation

In this type of problems we translate word problems or sentences into one-step equations using variables and numbers.

Translate the sentence, ‘The sum of 16 and Ronnie’s age is 30’, into a one-step equation

Solution

Step 1:

Given the sentence, ‘The sum of 16 and Ronnie’s age is 30’

Let us assume that Ronnie’s age is a

Step 2:

The sum implies an addition operation.

Then sum of 16 and Ronnie’s age translates to 16 + a

Step 3:

The word ‘is’ implies an equation.

So we translate the given sentence into a one-step equation as follows

16 + a = 30

Translate the sentence, ‘The difference of Diana’s score and 21 is 17’, into a one-step equation

Solution

Step 1:

Given the sentence, ‘The difference of Diana’s score and 21 is 17’

Let us assume that Diana’s score is s

Step 2:

The difference implies a subtraction operation.

Then difference of Diana’s score and 21 is s − 21

Step 3:

The word ‘is’ implies an equation.

So we translate the given sentence into a one-step equation as follows

s – 21 = 17