A PUZZLE

What is the missing number?

So, the answer is 6, right? Because 6 − 2 = 4. Easy stuff.

Well, in Algebra we don't use blank boxes, we use a letter (usually an x or y,
but any letter is fine). So we write:
The letter (in this case an x) just means "we don't know this yet" and is often
called the unknown or the variable.
And when we solve it, we write:
WHY USE A LETTER?
Because:

it is easier to write "x" than drawing empty boxes (and easier to say "x" than
"the empty box").
if there are several empty boxes (several "unknowns") we can use a different
letter for each one.
ANOTHER PUZZLE
What is the missing number?

So, the answer is 7, right? Because 7 + 5 = 12.

7 + 5 = 12 x=7
So we write:

The letter (in this case an x) just means "we don't know this yet" and is often
called the unknown or the variable.
 EXAMPLE 1 – I DO
Joe has a pencil case that contains an unknown number of pencils. He has 3 other pencils.
Let x be the number of pencils in the pencil case. How many does he have altogether?

Then Joe has x + 3 pencils altogether.

EXTRA ADDITION EXAMPLE
Julie has a tray of cupcakes that has an unknown number of cupcakes. She has 5
other pencils.
Let x be the number of cupcakes on the tray.

Then Julie has x + 5 cupcakes altogether.

 EXAMPLE 2 – WE DO
Thalia takes 5 chocolates from a box with a large number of chocolates in it. How many
chocolates are left in the box?

Solution
Let x be the original number of chocolates in the box. x = chocolates in box
Thalia takes 5 chocolates so there are x – 5 chocolates left in the box.
 EXTRA SUBTRACTION
EXAMPLE
Tony takes 10 bean bags from a box with a large number of bean bags in it. How many
bean bags are left in the box?

Solution
Let x be the original number of bean bags in the box. x = bean bags in box
Tony takes 10 bean bags so there are x – 10 bean bags left in the box.
 EXAMPLE 3 – YOU DO
There are x oranges to be divided equally among 5 people. How many oranges does each
person get?

Solution
Let x be the original number of oranges.
Each person receives x ÷ 5 oranges.
 EXTRA DIVISION EXAMPLE
There are x apples to be divided equally among 10 people. How many oranges does each
person get?

Solution
Let x be the original number of apples.
Each person receives x ÷ 10 apples.
EXPRESSIONS
Then Joe has x + 3 pencils altogether.
x – 5 chocolates left in the box
x ÷ 5 oranges

All of these are called expressions.

Expressions are numbers, symbols and operators (such as + and ×)
grouped together that show the value of something.