ACT Math Test : Word Translations

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math Test

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Example Questions

Example Question #19 : Solving Word Problems

During a recycling drive, Meghan and Phil combined to collect 900 recyclable bottles, and Meghan collected 200 more cans than Phil did. If the number of cans that Meghan collected is represented by  and the number that Phil collected is represented by , which of the following is a system of equations that could be used to solve for their individual totals?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This word problem provides you with two ways to look at the situation. The first is a total number of bottles, 900, that is created by adding the totals of Meghan and Phil. That means that . The other is that Meghan collected 200 more than Phil. That means that you would need to add 200 to Phil's total to equal Meghan's: 

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