Write and solve an algebraic equation for the situation.
Eight and one-half years ago, Steven was 7 years old. How old is he now?
So the answer is 15 and 1/2 but what would be the equation
x - 8.5 = 7
Let's let "x" represent Steven's current age.
Eight and one-half years ago, Steven was 7 years old. We can represent this as: x - 8.5 = 7.
To find Steven's current age, we can solve this equation for x.
Adding 8.5 to both sides of the equation, we have: x = 7 + 8.5.
Simplifying, we get: x = 15.5.
Therefore, Steven is currently 15 and 1/2 years old.
To solve this problem algebraically, let's represent Steven's current age as x.
Eight and a half years ago, Steven was 7 years old. This means that his age at that time can be represented as (x - 8.5).
Equating this expression to 7, we can create the equation: (x - 8.5) = 7.
To find Steven's current age, we can solve this equation for x.
Let's solve the equation step by step:
(x - 8.5) = 7
x - 8.5 = 7 (add 8.5 to both sides to isolate x)
x = 7 + 8.5
x = 15.5
Therefore, Steven is currently 15.5 years old, which can also be written as 15 and 1/2 years old.