There are other ways of looking at a problem like this to figure it out.

For example, the problem tells you that the total (# of cars) is 1400. The word "total" is a dead giveaway that this is the right side of the equation. You can draw this out as a long rectangle and place the 1400 inside.

The left side of the equation will be parts of that rectangle. You know in this problem that there are 2 parts (east-west and north-south). Draw another long rectangle underneath the "total" one, but add a line to divide it into two unequal parts. You know the parts are unequal because one is 3/4 of the other. Label the larger portion of the rectangle X. Label the other portion of the rectangle 3/4 X.

Sometimes a diagram is more helpful than laying the problem out in words. It helps you visualize the relationships.

To all adult learners still in college: I returned to school with about 3/4 of my courses from taking classes on and off over the years. I was able to finish my degree in '03 at the age of 54 by taking CLEP courses. They publish study books similar to the prep ones for the SATs and such tests. The website is
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/...lep/about.html

I took a quick look and the tests are now $77 and they are for a full college course credit. I took about 8 CLEP tests that were basic things like Business stuff that I had picked up over the years from working. They offer 33 tests on varied subjects and if your school accepts them they are a great way to further your education quickly and cheaply!
And BTW, I'm almost getting this algebra stuff, I was able to take a philosophy course to fulfill my math requirement, but I never did get the Algebra/physics stuff!

I need to make sure I read the problem carefully! And the one from the OP! :oops:

barnbum, could you re-check the original word problem?

OP really needs to understand how to solve the equation:
x + 3/4 x = 1400. Her wish to take 3/4 of 1400 is an incorrect solution to the problem. She needs to know how to divide 1400 by 7/4 (or multiply by 4/7) to solve for x.

Oh--I had read it from someone else rewording it--and couldn't double check once I start the reply. You are right! x + 3/4x=1400. My 5th graders don't get that far this year! Sorry!! I'll go delete... :oops:

Great! I'll bet if the OP had had you for 5th grade math, barnbum, she wouldn't be having so much difficulty with this problem!

I had to take beginning algebra twice in high school. I took it again in college about 20 years later, and I loved it! It is so logical, I think it made me more logical. One of the reasons that I could not get it in high school is that I never did my homework- LOL! Just do your homework every night, don't get behind, and you will be fine. Congratulations for going back to school. And yes, I have used it from time to time.

We will never know. I did have a boy tell me today he's more confident with math than ever before. There's usually a few who click with me. :-D But, there's another student who has a dickens of a time rounding! I've worked with him 1:1 for at least 20 min and he's still inconsistent. :roll: Other kids LOVE it when we do l-o-n-g sentences for order of operation practice... at least 10 numbers! Many get it right. State tests for math are next week--ELA is this week.

I have taught algebra. The easiest way to think of it is that "x" is just another way of writing a "?".
Remember 2 + 2 = ? , or 3 + ? = 7 ? Well, in algebra, they put an "x" in it, but it's the same thing!

I keep telling my students that quilting is all about math. It's one of the first steps I take in planning.

For fabulous, easy-to-follow lessons on all things mathematics (and a few other topics as well), check out this tutoring website:
www.khanacademy.org