Final answer:
To satisfy the given statement, select a variable such as 'q' or 'x' and write the equation 344 multiplied by the variable equals 208, resulting in the equation 344q = 208 or 344x = 208.
Step-by-step explanation:
The task is to create a variable and an equation based on the statement given. When we construct an equation from a word problem, we're essentially translating the given information into mathematical language.
The first step is to choose a variable to represent the unknown quantity. In this case, the question has provided us with two options for variables: 'q' or 'x'. It doesn't matter which one we choose, as they are just placeholders, but we must be consistent once a variable is chosen.
Next, we want to translate the statement "344 times q is equal to 208" into an algebraic equation. This is done by understanding that "times" corresponds to multiplication and "is equal to" corresponds to the equals sign ('=').
Thus, the equation is:
344q = 208 or 344x = 208 if we chose to use 'x' as our variable.
Remember:
Equations are precise ways to express concepts, and they allow us to solve for unknown values by applying algebra.