Example

Example: Solving a Word Problem about Puzzles

Apply the seven-step problem-solving strategy to a word problem involving solving for an unknown quantity derived from a "more than twice" relationship.

Problem: Gerry worked Sudoku puzzles and crossword puzzles this week. The number of Sudoku puzzles he completed is eight more than twice the number of crossword puzzles. He completed 2222 Sudoku puzzles. How many crossword puzzles did he do?

Step 1. Read the problem. Step 2. Identify what you are looking for: How many crossword puzzles did Gerry do? Step 3. Name what we are looking for: Let cc = the number of crossword puzzles. Step 4. Translate: Restate the problem into an equation. The number of Sudoku puzzles (2222) is eight more than twice the number of crossword puzzles (2c+82c + 8), which translates to: 22=2c+822 = 2c + 8. Step 5. Solve the equation: Subtract 88 from both sides: 14=2c14 = 2c Divide by 22: 7=c7 = c Step 6. Check: If he completed 77 crossword puzzles, is eight more than twice that equal to 2222? Twice 77 is 1414, and 14+8=2214 + 8 = 22. The total matches the 2222 Sudoku puzzles. Step 7. Answer: Gerry did 77 crossword puzzles.

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Updated 2026-05-02

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