April lost 5 pounds in her first week of college. Over the next three weeks she lost 3 pounds, gained 2 pounds, and then lost 1 pound. Over the four weeks, what was the change in April's weight? Give a single integer to represent your answer (don't forget to include a negative sign if applicable).

Change in April's weight is - 7

Solution:

Let the initial weight be "x"

April lost 5 pounds in her first week of college

First week = lost 5 pounds

Therefore, x - 5

Over the next three weeks she lost 3 pounds, gained 2 pounds, and then lost 1 pound

Next three week:

Lost 3 pound

Gained 2 pound

Lost 1 pound

Therefore, weight after 4 weeks is given as:

x - 5 - 3 + 2 - 1 = x - 7

After 4 week, the weight is x - 7

The change in April weight is given as:

Weight after 4 week - initial weight = x - 7 - x = - 7

Thus change in April's weight is - 7 (Negative sign represents loss in weight)