Puzzle for Beginning Algebra Students

[mmm4444bot]

I roll a pair of ordinary dice, and I sum the two numbers rolled.

I subtract four from the sum.

Next, I square that result.

Then, I take one-third of the square.

Finally, I subtract two.

I end up with the same sum that I started with.

What is this sum? :cool:

 

[Deleted member 4993]

2 different initial rolls each totalling same.

You'll have 3 different rolls if

• One die is new and other one is old with faded dots
• Two dice with different color

Can happen.....

 

[Dr.Peterson]

I roll a pair of ordinary dice, and I sum the two numbers rolled.

I subtract four from the sum.

Next, I square that result.

Then, I take one-third of the square.

Finally, I subtract two.

I end up with the same sum that I started with.

What is this sum? :cool:

Since the question asks only for the sum, not the roll, I would make the variable be x = sum, which must be an integer from 2 to 12 inclusive. There will be two solutions, but only one satisfies the restriction. If they've learned to solve quadratics by factoring, and don't make mistakes, it's not hard.