A student usually saves $20 a month. He would like to reach a goal of saving $350 in 12 months. The students writes the equation 350=12 (x+20) to represent this situation. Solve the equation for x

350=12 (x+20)

first multiply 12 into the parentheses

350=12x+240

now subtract 240 on both sides

110=12x

and finally divide 12 on both sides

9.17

so now 9.17=x

In this case, x is the amount more he needs to save per month

350=12 (x+20)

distribute

350=12x+240

minus 240 both sides

110=12x

divide both sides by 12

9.166666=x

needs to save about $9.17 more per month or 29.17 permonth