Variables in Real Life

Name:

Date:

📝 Part 1: Writing Expressions with Variables

1. Maya has some stickers and buys 8 more at the store.

a) Write an expression using the variable s to represent the stickers Maya started with:

Expression: _________________

2. A movie theater charges $12 per ticket. Write an expression for the cost of buying tickets for a group.

a) Use the variable t to represent the number of tickets:

Expression: _________________

3. Jake scored the same number of points in each of his 5 basketball games.

a) Write an expression using p for points per game to show his total points:

Expression: _________________

4. Sarah has $25 and spends some money on lunch.

a) Write an expression using m for the money she spent:

Expression: _________________

5. For each scenario below, identify what type of number the variable represents.

Scenario A: The temperature today is t degrees, and tomorrow it will be 5 degrees warmer.

Does t represent:

An unknown number (we don't know the exact temperature)

Any number in a set (temperature can be any value in a range)

Scenario B: Pick any whole number from 1 to 10 and call it n. Then add 3 to get n + 3.

Does n represent:

An unknown number (we don't know which number was picked)

Any number in a set (any whole number from 1 to 10)

6. Create your own real-world problem where a variable represents an unknown number.

Your scenario:

Expression: _________________

7. Explain in your own words: What is a variable and why do we use them in math?

8. You have b books on your shelf. Your friend gives you 4 more books.

a) Write an expression: _________________

b) Does b represent an unknown number or any number in a set? Explain your reasoning: