Equation word problems

This Grade 7 worksheet practices equation word problems (Common Core 7.EE.B.4, 7.EE.B.4a; Alberta Patterns and Relations 7).

10 word problems to write and solve as two-step and multi-step equations, with an answer key.

On this sheet

• A taxi charges $5 plus $2 for each mile. Ivy's ride cost $31. How many miles long was the ride? — answer: 13
• A gym charges $20 to join, plus $20 each month. Ivy has paid $240 in all. How many months has Ivy paid for? — answer: 11
• A class rents a bus for a trip. The bus costs $200 plus $5 for each student, and the total cost is $280. How many students go on the trip? — answer: 16

How to teach it

1. Undo what was done to the variable, in reverse order: first undo adding or subtracting, then multiplying or dividing.
2. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other, so the equation stays balanced.
3. With brackets, expand first; with the variable on both sides, gather it on one side.
4. With an inequality, multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number reverses the sign.
5. Check by putting the answer back into the original equation.

Questions teachers ask

How many problems are on this worksheet?

10 on one page, with the answer key on the last page.

What grade and standard is it for?

Grade 7. Common Core: 7.EE.B.4, 7.EE.B.4a. Alberta: Patterns and Relations 7.

Can I print more than one version?

Yes. Every version has different numbers and its own answer key. Use “Make another version” for a new one; the same version always prints the same.

What grade learns one-step and two-step equations?

In the Common Core, one-step equations are Grade 6 (6.EE.B.7), two-step equations and inequalities are Grade 7 (7.EE.B.4), and multi-step equations with the variable on both sides are Grade 8 (8.EE.C.7).

What is the difference between an equation and an inequality?

An equation says two amounts are equal and usually has one solution. An inequality says one is greater or less than the other, and has a whole range of solutions.