Word Problems in 1 variable:

Part 1 (Number Relations)

Online Tutorial Series

July 2014
 Definitions
• R-epresentation
• E-quation
• S-olution
• Interpretation

• Consecutive nos. (1,2,3,4...) intervals of 1.

• Consecutive odd/nos. (2,4,6...),(1,3,5...)
intervals of 2.
 Sample Problem
1. The sum of three consecutive numbers is 84.
Find the middle digit.
 Solution
R: x be the lowest number, x+1 middle number,
x+2 highest number.
E: x+(x+1)+(x+2)=84
S: 3x+3 = 84
3x+3-3=84-3
3x = 81
(3x)/3 = 81/3
x = 27
 Solution
I: x=27, lowest number
x+1=28, middle number
 Sample Problem
2. If you add the two pages of the book Mario is
reading, the sum is 227. Find the pages.
 Solution
R: the pages of a book are CONSECUTIVE NOS.
x, the lower value page, x+1, higher value.
E: x + (x+1) = 227
S: 2x+1=227
2x+1-1=227-1
2x = 226
2x/2 = 226/2
x = 113
 Solution
I: x= 113
x+1=114
Pages 113 and 114
 Sample Problem
3. The sum of 5 consecutively even nos. is 120.
Find the smallest number.
 Solution
R: x, smallest number
x+2, x+4, x+6 and x+8
E: x+(x+2)+(x+4)+(x+6)+(x+8) = 120
S: 5x + 20 = 120
5x + 20 - 20 = 120 - 20
5x = 100
x = 20
I: x, the smallest number is 20.
 TIPS
• If you are adding odd number of consecutive
digits(whether plain consecutive or
consecutively odd/even) the middle digit is
always the average.
• In problem 3. 120 is the sum of 5 consecutively
even numbers. So 24 is the average.
• Moving to the left we have 20, 22 and 24
• To the right 24, 26, 28.
HAPPY REVIEWING!