1.1.1 Understanding Value

Algebra 11.1.1 Understanding Value

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Warm Up

Here are some letters and what they represent. All costs are in dollars.

$m$ represents the cost of a main dish.
$n$ represents the number of side dishes.
$s$ represents the cost of a side dish.
$t$ represents the total cost of a meal.

For questions 1 - 4, discuss what each equation means with a partner. Then, describe the situation in words.

$m = 7.50$

Compare your answer:

A main dish costs $7.50.

$m = s + 4.50$

Compare your answer:

Your answer may vary, but here are some examples.

The cost of a main dish is the cost of the side dish plus $4.50.
The cost of a main dish is $4.50 more than the cost of a side dish.

$n s = 6$

Compare your answer:

The number of side dishes times the cost of the side dish is $$ 6$ .

$m + n s = t$

Compare your answer:

The main dish added to the quantity of the number of side dishes times the cost of the side dish represents the total cost of the meal.

Write a new equation that could be true in this same situation.

Compare your answer:

Your answer may vary, but here are some examples.

$m = 2$
$m - s = 4.5$
$m + 6 = 13.5$

Describe what your new equation means in words.

Compare your answer:

Your answer may vary, but here are some examples.

The main dish costs $$ 2$ .
The difference in cost between the main dish and a side dish is $$ 4.50$ .
$$ 13.50$ is the cost of the main dish and a $$ 6$ tip.

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- Book title: Algebra 1
- Publication date: Jun 4, 2025
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