1.10.1 Interpreting Equations in Context

Algebra 11.10.1 Interpreting Equations in Context

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Warm Up

A vibrant nighttime carnival scene with colorful lights, a glowing Ferris wheel, game booths like Balloon Pop, hanging prizes, and a crowd of people enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Jada has $20 to spend on games and rides at a carnival.

Games cost $1 each.
Rides are $2 each.

In the following activity, you will complete a series of questions regarding this scenario.

Link to Learning

Log into student.desmos.com using the information provided by your teacher to complete the activity.

1. Which equation represents the relationship between the number of games, $x$ , and the number of rides, $y$ , Jada could do if she spends all $20?

$x + y = 20$
$2 x + y = 20$
$x + 2 y = 20$

$x + 2 y = 20$

2. Explain what each of the other two equations could mean in this situation.

Your answer may vary, but here are some samples.

In this situation, the equation $x + y = 20$ could mean:

Jada spends $20 on games and rides that cost $1 each.
The combined number of games and rides that Jada enjoys is 20.

In this situation, the equation $2 x + y = 20$ could mean:

Jada spends $20 on games and rides, where games cost $2 each and rides are $1 each.

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- Authors: Lynn Marecek, MaryAnne Anthony-Smith, Andrea Honeycutt Mathis, Jay Abramson, Sharon North, Amy Baldwin, Alyssa Howell
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- Book title: Algebra 1
- Publication date: Jun 4, 2025
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- Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/algebra-1/pages/1-10-1-interpreting-equations-in-context

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