Word problem

Question

On an algebra test the highest grade was, 42 points higher than the lowest grade.  The sum of the two grades was 138.  Find both of the grades.

Answer 1

Think this way:  Let L = lower grade, then the higher grade was L + 42, according to what they said.

So L + (L+ 42) = 138

2L + 42 = 138
2L         = 138 - 42

2L = 96

L = 48

This kind of thinking is what you MUST do in Algebra. Keep that in mind as you go through the course, and the ones that follow.