Question 213285
Let x= number of words Todd spells correctly
48-x = number of words that he misses


In order to avoid the decimals, let's solve this in "cents".  Does that make "cents" to you???  It means that he gets 10 cents for correct words, he pays -6 cents for words missed, and there is a total income of 192 cents.  Here is the equation:


10*x -6(48-x) = 192
10x - 288 + 6x = 192
16x- 288=192
16x= 192 +288
16x = 480
x=30 words correct

48-30=18 words missed


Check:  30*$.10 -18*$.06 = &1.92
$3.00-$1.08=$1.92

It checks!!!



If you need additional help with Word Problems, check out my website by doing a "Bing" search for my last name "Rapalje".  Look for "Rapalje Homepage" at the top of the search list, and choose the link on my homepage "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time."  Click on "Basic Algebra", and you will find a couple of sections near the end of Chapter 1 on "Word Problems".  My non-traditional explanation should be easier to understand than your textbook!  


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole Community College
Altamonte Springs Campus
Florida