Final answer:
The equation that represents the number of weeks, x, Samantha needs to save to buy the bike is $20 + $14x = $118. By solving this equation, it is found that she needs to save for 7 weeks to afford the bike.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samantha wants to purchase a bike costing $118. To represent the number of weeks, x, that she needs to save in order to buy the bike, we need to set up an equation that accounts for her initial $20 and the $14 she saves each week. The total amount she needs to save is the price of the bike minus the amount she already has. So, the equation will be:
Initial amount + (Weekly savings × Number of weeks) = Cost of bike
$20 + $14x = $118
Now, to find x, we can rearrange the equation:
$14x = $118 - $20
$14x = $98
Divide both sides of the equation by $14 to solve for x:
x = $98 / $14
x = 7
Therefore, it will take Samantha 7 weeks of saving $14 each week to have enough money to purchase the $118 bike.