Question

A student usually saves $20 a month. He would like to reach a goal of saving $350 in 12 months. The student writes the equation 350=12(x+20) to represent the situation. Solve the equation for x.

Answer 1

1) 350= 12(x+20)
2)350= 12(x) +12(20)
3)350= 12x+240
4)12x+240= 350
5)12x+240= 350
-240 -240
6)12x=110
7)12x = 110
———— ——-
12 12
8)x= 110
——-
12
9) simplify
110 To 55
——— ——-
12 6

Answer 2

In this case, x is the amount more he needs to save per month

350=12(x+20)
distribute
350=12x+240
minus 240 both sides
110=12x
divide both sides by 12
9.166666=x

needs to save about $9.17 more per month or 29.17 permonth