Two numbers have a sum of 69. If one number is m, represent the other number as an expression of m

Question

i am not sure how to set up the problem or solve it. i would love a detailed description of how to perform the problem. 

Answer 1

Hi Jiamyiah,

 

You are given two numbers and one is called m.

 

The other one is not named so you just name it, like n, or o, or even"other number"

 

The other thing you know is that the two numbers add up to 69.

 

That means m + other number = 69

 

Now, any time you see "write (whatever) in terms of (whatever else) You should know that "whatever" is the independent variable and that "whatever else" is the dependent variable. What that really means in terms of coming up with the right equation is that "whatever" is going to be on one side of the equation by itself and "whatever else" will be on the other side of the equal sign.

 

=> m = 69 - other number

 

Note: if the you find the above paragraph confusing, replace "whatever" and "whatever else" with x and y, a and b, m and n, i and j. But, that you can understand it without having to convert means that you have a good grasp of basic setting up of linear equation.

hope this helps