Four more than the product of a number and 2 equals 7

Question

Use the variable
x
for the unknown number.

Answer 1

Hi Amari,

The key to working this problem out is to understand the terms in the problem. Product is what you get when you multiply two terms together, right? Four more than that product is represented as follows: 

When x = the unknown number

2x + 4 = 7 

2x = 3 

x = 3/2 or 1 1/2 or 1.5 

Check your work now. 

2 (1.5) + 4 = 7 

3.0 + 4 = 7 

7 = 7 

Does this make sense to you? Please let me know. I hope you have a great day. 


I want to add a chart for your future use when working word problems. Please note the common words and phrases for the following: 

Add: plus, add, sum, more than, in addition to, greater than, total, and 
Subtract: difference, subtract, less than, take away 
Multiply: product of, times, twice, x 2, factor
Divide: divided by, quotient, split, share, distribute 
Equals: equals, is 

A few quick examples of "expressions in words," and "expressions in algebraic symbols," okay? 

A number increased by twelve                                   x + 12
Eighty less than a number                                          x - 80
Five greater than three times a number                    3x + 5 
A number evenly distributed among 8                       x ÷ 8  
Five times the total of a number and ten                   5 (x +10) 

I hope this extra information will assist you with future word problems.