Question

Solve the word problem below using the steps given in the lesson.

Skylar needs $56 to buy a new video game. If he doubles the amount of money he has now, he will have enough to buy the game with $8 left over.

How much money does Skylar have right now?


WRITER

Answer 1

To solve the problem step-by-step, we will define a variable and set up an equation based on the information provided.

**Step 1: Define the variable.**

Let \( x \) be the amount of money Skylar has right now.

**Step 2: Set up the equation.**

According to the problem, if Skylar doubles the amount of money he has now, he will have enough to buy the game with $8 left over. Therefore, we can express this situation with the following equation:

\[
2x = 56 + 8
\]

**Step 3: Simplify the equation.**

First, we can simplify the right side of the equation:

\[
2x = 64
\]

**Step 4: Solve for \( x \).**

Now, divide both sides of the equation by 2 to find \( x \):

\[
x = \frac{64}{2} = 32
\]

**Step 5: Conclusion.**

Skylar has $32 right now.

**Verification:**

To verify, we can check if doubling $32 gives him enough for the game with $8 to spare:

1. Doubling the amount Skylar has:
\[
2 \times 32 = 64
\]

2. Checking if this amount is enough for the video game plus $8:
\[
56 + 8 = 64
\]

Since both sides match, our solution is verified.

**Final Answer: Skylar has** $32.