How to create a real-life situation to match an algebraic expression (with two operations)
Need to create a real-life situation to match an algebraic expression? I’ll show you how.
We’ll consider the expressions 3p+10 and 100–2p. To help you understand the process as well as my answers, I’ll create two different situations for each.
I suggest starting by defining your variable. What will p represent? I would encourage you to choose something very ordinary, because that will make it easier to come up with reasons to do operations to it!
Next, look at the expression and think about the operations it entails. For example, with 3p+10, we need to create a reason to multiply our p by 3, and then add 10 to it. For 100–2p, we start with 100, then subtract the double of p from it. Why would we do that? I’ll discuss a few examples of situations which would lead us to do these operations.
In addition to helping you create a situation, I’ll give you tips on how to describe your situation clearly in writing.
This video is part of a playlist on representing linear relationships. Learn how to write expressions and equations, how to make tables of values, what ordered pairs are, how to find a missing value in an ordered pair, how to write precise descriptions of linear relationships, and how to create graphs. See more here: • Representing linear relationships
