STEPS TO SOLVING SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS WORD PROBLEMS

1. Identify the variables

2. Write the system of equations

3. Solve

4. Check your answer

5. Write your answer in  a sentence to demonstrate your understanding of what you have found

example

Robert bought pizzas and sodas from Key Pizza. He purchased 2 bottles of soda for every box of pizza that he bought. The individual cost of pizza and soda is $5 and $1 dollar respectively. Robert spent a total of $56.00. How many boxes of pizzas and bottles of soda did Robert buy from Key Pizza?

step 1

x = number of pizzas, y = number of bottled sodas

step 2

2x = y

5x + y = 56

step 3

5x + 2x = 56 ——> 7x = 56 —–>  7x/7 = 56/7 —–> y = 8

2(8) = y —-> 16 = y

step 4

2(8) = 16 —-> 16 = 16—–> CHECK

5(8) + 16 = 56 —-> 40+ 16 = 56—–> 56 = 56——> CHECK

step 5

Robert bought 8 boxes of pizza and 16 bottles of soda from Key Pizza.