# how to attack word problems...

#### Storm2529

##### New member
They want you to solve the word problem and I only now the first step. The question is :
The sum of five times a number and two times the number is 161. Find the number.
all I could figure out was 5x + 2x = 161. I don't now the rest. Please help.

#### Mrspi

##### Senior Member
Storm2529 said:
They want you to solve the word problem and I only now the first step. The question is :
The sum of five times a number and two times the number is 161. Find the number.
all I could figure out was 5x + 2x = 161. I don't now the rest. Please help.

Ok...

let x = the number

You know that "the sum of 5 times the number and two times the number is 161"

5x + 2x = 161

Are you saying that you don't know how to solve this equation?

We need to know where you are stuck. If solving 5x + 2x = 161 is a mystery, you probably need to talk to your teacher and ask for some extra help.

#### Storm2529

##### New member
They want you to find what the problem is and what x is and then check it.

#### Denis

##### Senior Member
Storm2529 said:
They want you to find what the problem is and what x is and then check it.
Are you saying you can't solve 5x + 2x = 161 for x?