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Grade 7 · Math

7th grade Write an equation for a story worksheet

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Write an equation for a story

Grade 7 Math Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the best answer, or write your answer on the line.

  1. Jun has $3.50 and saves $1.25 each week for a telescope. After w weeks, Jun has $11. Let w be the number of weeks. What equation matches the story?

  2. Kira stirs 1/2 cup of milk into each batch of soup, plus 3/4 cup of broth once. The pot holds 9/4 cups. Let y be the number of batches. What equation matches the story?

  3. Each level, Luz wins x points and loses 2 points to puddles. After 5 levels, Luz has 35 points. Let x be the points won in one level. What equation matches the story?

  4. Milo takes 2 shells out of each of 6 buckets. Each bucket held x shells; 24 shells are left. Let x be the number of shells in one bucket. What equation matches the story?

  5. Pia watches a whale at -12 m rise 2 m each second. After s seconds, the whale is at -2 m. Let s be the number of seconds. Which equation fits?

    • -12s + 2 = -2
    • s − 12 = -2
    • 2s + 12 = -2
    • 2s − 12 = -2

  6. Each level, Ren wins x points and loses 3 points to puddles. After 4 levels, Ren has 28 points. Let x be the points won in one level. Which equation fits?

    • 4x − 3 = 28
    • 3(x − 4) = 28
    • 4(x + 3) = 28
    • 4(x − 3) = 28

  7. Zee is given 3(x − 4) = 15, where x is the points won in one level. Which story matches that equation?

    • Each level, Zee wins x points and loses 3 points to puddles. After 4 levels, Zee has 15 points.
    • Each level, Zee wins x points and loses 4 points to puddles. After 3 levels, Zee has 15 points.
    • Each level, Zee wins x points and a 4-point bonus. After 3 levels, Zee has 15 points.
    • Zee wins x points in each of 3 levels, then loses 4 points in one big puddle. Zee has 15 points.

  8. Ari is given 5(x + 3) = 55, where x is the number of crayons in one bag. Which story matches that equation?

    • Each of Ari's 5 bags holds x crayons and 3 stickers. There are 55 crayons and stickers in all.
    • Each of Ari's 3 bags holds x crayons and 5 stickers. There are 55 crayons and stickers in all.
    • Ari has 5 bags with x crayons in each, and 3 loose stickers. There are 55 crayons and stickers in all.
    • Each of Ari's 5 bags holds x crayons, but 3 break in each bag. 55 whole crayons are left in all.

  9. Bo is given 4(x − 2) = 32, where x is the number of apples in one basket. Which story matches that equation?

    • Each of Bo's 2 baskets held x apples, but 4 were eaten from each. 32 apples are left in all.
    • Each of Bo's 4 baskets holds x apples and 2 pears. There are 32 fruits in all.
    • Bo has 4 baskets with x apples in each, and 2 apples are eaten. 32 apples are left in all.
    • Each of Bo's 4 baskets held x apples, but 2 were eaten from each. 32 apples are left in all.

  10. Kira writes 3(x − 2) = 21, where x is the books in one backpack. Kira took 2 books out of each of 3 backpacks. What does 3(x − 2) stand for?

    • the books taken out
    • the books left in one backpack
    • the books left in all 3 backpacks
    • the number of backpacks
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7th grade Write an equation for a story worksheet – printable
Print: 123456

About this worksheet

Write an equation for a story. Every version has 10 questions, and the answer key prints on the second page.

What your child will learn

  • I can write 3w + 4 = 19 for "4 shells to start and 3 more each day", and 40 − 4x = 16 for a tub that drains.
  • I can tell 5x + 4 = 55 (the 4 is added once) from 5(x + 4) = 55 (every group has the 4), and write either one for a story.
  • I can pick the story that matches an equation, and say what a part of the equation stands for.

Standard: 7.EE.B.4a

Words to know

equation: A math sentence with an equal sign. Both sides have the same value.

variable: A letter for a number we do not know yet, like w for the weeks.

group: One of several equal parts, like one box or one week.

parentheses: The curved marks in 4(x + 3). They show that every group has the x and the 3.

total: How much there is at the end, which stands alone on one side.

start: How much there is before anything changes.

Common mistakes

Your child wrote the amount that happens once and the total but left out the part that repeats.

Your child used the right numbers but traded the amount that repeats with the amount that happens once.

Your child used the right numbers but the wrong sign between the parts.

What to say

Ask: how many times does this happen? That number goes with the letter.

Ask: which number happens again and again, and which happens once?

Ask: is this piece added to the total, or taken away from it?

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with write an equation for a story?

Your child wrote the amount that happens once and the total but left out the part that repeats.

How can I help my child with write an equation for a story?

Ask: how many times does this happen? That number goes with the letter.

Are these 7th grade math worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions at each level are free to print, with the answer key, and no account is needed.

More grade 7 math

See all grade 7 math

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