Solving Problems with Unknowns
Instructions: Read each word problem carefully. Write an equation using a letter for the unknown, then solve it. Show your working.
1. Jack has some marbles. His friend gives him 7 more marbles. Now he has 15 marbles altogether. How many marbles did Jack have to start with?
Equation: _______________________________________________
Working: _______________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________
2. Sarah bought some pencils for $3 each. She spent $21 in total. How many pencils did she buy?
Equation: _______________________________________________
Working: _______________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________
3. A number is multiplied by 4 and the result is 28. What is the number?
Equation: _______________________________________________
Working: _______________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________
4. Emma had some stickers. She gave 12 stickers to her brother. Now she has 23 stickers left. How many stickers did Emma have at the start?
Equation: _______________________________________________
Working: _______________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________
5. A packet of lollies is shared equally among 6 children. Each child gets 8 lollies. How many lollies were in the packet?
Equation: _______________________________________________
Working: _______________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________
6. When 9 is added to a number, the answer is 34. What is the number?
Equation: _______________________________________________
Working: _______________________________________________
Answer: _______________________________________________