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AlgebraEasyEquation for pencils and pens in a pack

Algebra practice question

A pack contains p pencils and q pens, and there are 12 items in the pack altogether. Which equation represents this?

  1. A. p + q = 12Correct
  2. B. p − q = 12
  3. C. pq = 12
  4. D. p = 12q

Answer: A. p + q = 12

The two counts add to 12.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. p − q = 12
A difference, not a total.
C. pq = 12
A product, not a total.
D. p = 12q
A proportion, not a total.

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