Question

Xavier has $23.50 in his savings account. He deposits $35 every week. His mother also deposits $20 into the account every time Xavier washes the car. His savings account balance can be shown with the following expression:

20c + 35w + 23.50

Part A: Identify a coefficient, a variable, and a constant in this expression. (3 points)

Part B: If Xavier saves for 12 weeks and washes the car 3 times, how much will he have in his account? Show your work to receive full credit. (4 points)

Part C: If Xavier’s mother deposited $25 after each car wash, would the coefficient, variable, or constant in the expression change? Why? (3 points)

(10 points)

Answer 1

Part A: a coefficient is either 20 or 35, both work. A variable is c or w, again either work. The constant is 23.50.

Part B: He will have $503.50

Part C: The coefficient would change, because the amount per car changes, not the amount of cars.

Explanation:

A coefficient goes in front of the variable (which is the letter, usually shown as x). The constant is a number with no variable attached.

We replace c with 20, and w with 12, giving us 20(3)+35(12)+23.50 for our equation. After multiplying, we come up with 60+420+23.50, which equals 503.50.