Algebra - Solved Questions and Answers
Last Updated :
23 Jul, 2025
Algebra is where we use letters (like x or y) to stand for unknown numbers, and then solve equations to find their values.
Algebra questions and answers are provided below for you to learn and practice.
Question 1: If there are 2 apples in a bag and x apples are added to it, making a total of 10 apples, how many apples were added?
Solution:
Let the number of apples added be x.
The total number of apples is 2 (initial) + x (added) = 10.
So, 2 + x = 10.
Subtract 2 from both sides to find x: x = 10 - 2.
Therefore, x = 8 apples were added.
Question 2: A pen costs x dollars. If 5 pens cost $15, what is the cost of one pen?
Solution:
Let the cost of one pen be x dollars.
The total cost for 5 pens is 5x = $15.
Divide both sides by 5 to find the cost per pen: x = 15 / 5.
Therefore, each pen costs $3.
Question 3: A train travels x miles in 2 hours. If it traveled 100 miles, how many miles does it travel in one hour?
Solution:
Let the distance traveled in one hour be x miles.
In 2 hours, the train travels 2x miles.
We know 2x = 100 miles.
Divide both sides by 2 to find x: x = 100 / 2.
Therefore, the train travels 50 miles in one hour.
Question 4: If x people can complete a task in 4 hours, and 8 people can complete the same task in 2 hours, how many people were originally there?
Solution:
Let the original number of people be x.
The work done is the same, so x people in 4 hours is equal to 8 people in 2 hours.
So, 4x = 2 * 8.
Simplify to find x: x = (2 * 8) / 4.
Therefore, x = 4 people were originally there.
Question 5: A rectangle's length is twice its width. If the width is x feet and the area is 50 square feet, what is the width of the rectangle?
Solution:
Let the width be x feet.
The length is 2x feet.
The area of the rectangle is length * width, so 2x * x = 50.
Simplify to find x: x2 = 50 / 2.
Solving for x, we get x = sqrt(25) = 5 feet.
Question 6: Sarah has x dollars. After buying a book for $10, she has $30 left. How much money did Sarah have initially?
Solution:
Let Sarah's initial amount of money be x dollars.
After spending $10, she has x - 10 dollars left.
We know x - 10 = $30.
Add 10 to both sides to find x: x = 30 + 10.
Therefore, Sarah initially had $40.
Question 7: A school has x students in each class. If there are 5 classes and a total of 150 students, how many students are in each class?
Solution:
Let the number of students in each class be x.
Total students in 5 classes is 5x.
We know 5x = 150.
Divide both sides by 5 to find x: x = 150 / 5.
Therefore, there are 30 students in each class.
Question 8: A baker makes x cookies from a batch of dough. If he makes 120 cookies and divides them into 6 boxes, how many cookies are in each box?
Solution:
Let the number of cookies in each box be x.
The total number of cookies is 6x.
We know 6x = 120.
Divide both sides by 6 to find x: x = 120 / 6.
Therefore, each box contains 20 cookies.
Question 9: A baker used x cups of flour to make 3 cakes. If he used 15 cups in total, how many cups did he use for each cake?
Solution:
Let the cups of flour used for each cake be x.
The total flour used for 3 cakes is 3x cups.
So, 3x = 15.
Dividing both sides by 3, we get x = 15 / 3.
Therefore, x = 5 cups of flour per cake.
Question 10: In a garden, there are x roses and twice as many tulips. If there are 30 flowers in total, how many roses are there?
Solution:
Let the number of roses be x.
Then, the number of tulips is 2x.
The total number of flowers is x (roses) + 2x (tulips) = 30.
So, 3x = 30.
Dividing both sides by 3, x = 30 / 3.
Therefore, there are x = 10 roses.
Question 11: A car travels x kilometers in 1 hour. If it traveled 240 kilometers in 4 hours, what is its speed in kilometers per hour?
Solution:
Let the speed of the car be x kilometers per hour.
In 4 hours, the car travels 4x kilometers.
We know 4x = 240.
Dividing both sides by 4, x = 240 / 4.
So, the speed of the car is 60 kilometers per hour.
Question 12: A bottle contains x liters of water. After pouring out half of the water, 2 liters remain. How many liters were there initially?
Solution:
Let the initial amount of water be x liters.
Half of this amount is x / 2.
We know x / 2 = 2 liters.
Multiplying both sides by 2, x = 2 * 2.
Therefore, the bottle initially had 4 liters of water.
Question 13: In a class, there are x students. If 3 more students join the class, the total becomes 25. How many students were there initially?
Solution:
Let the initial number of students be x.
After 3 students join, the total is x + 3.
We know x + 3 = 25.
Subtracting 3 from both sides, x = 25 - 3.
So, there were initially 22 students in the class.
Question 14: A rectangle's length is twice its width w. If the rectangle's perimeter is 30 meters, what is its width?
Solution:
Let the width of the rectangle be w meters.
Its length is 2w meters.
The perimeter is 2(length + width) = 30.
Substituting length and width, we get 2(2w + w) = 30.
Simplifying, 6w = 30.
Dividing both sides by 6, w = 30 / 6.
So, the width of the rectangle is 5 meters.
Question 15: A pool is filled by x liters of water each minute. If it takes 10 minutes to fill 300 liters, how much water is filled each minute?
Solution:
Let the amount of water filled each minute be x liters.
In 10 minutes, the total filled is 10x liters.
We know 10x = 300.
Dividing both sides by 10, x = 300 / 10.
So, 30 liters of water is filled each minute.
Question 16: A store sells x apples in a day. If it sold 120 apples in 4 days, how many apples does it sell each day?
Solution:
Let the number of apples sold each day be x.
In 4 days, the total sold is 4x apples.
We know 4x = 120.
Dividing both sides by 4, x = 120 / 4.
Therefore, the store sells 30 apples each day.
Question 17: A train is x meters long and passes a pole in 3 seconds. If it passes the pole at a speed of 10 meters per second, how long is the train?
Solution:
Let the length of the train be x meters.
Speed = Distance / Time, so 10 = x / 3.
Multiplying both sides by 3, x = 10 * 3.
Therefore, the train is 30 meters long.
Question 18: A farmer has x chickens and 4 times as many cows. If he has a total of 100 animals, how many chickens does he have?
Solution:
Let the number of chickens be x.
The number of cows is 4x.
The total number of animals is x (chickens) + 4x (cows) = 100.
So, 5x = 100.
Dividing both sides by 5, x = 100 / 5.
Thus, there are 20 chickens.
Question 19: In the expression 7x3 - 4x2 + 9x - 5, what is the coefficient of x2?
Solution:
Identify the term that contains x2. The term is -4x2.
The coefficient of x2 is the number in front of the x2 term, which is -4.
Question 20: Find the coefficient of x in the polynomial 3x4 - 2x3 + 5x - 7.
Solution:
Look for the term with x (to the first power). The term is 5x.
The coefficient of x is the number in front of the x term, which is 5.
Question 21: What is the coefficient of the constant term in the expression 8x2 - 6x + 4?
Solution:
The constant term is the term without any variable, which is 4 in this case.
The coefficient of the constant term is the number itself, so it is 4.
Question 22: Simplify 3x + 5x.
Solution:
Combine the like terms by adding the coefficients.
3x + 5x becomes (3 + 5)x.
Therefore, the simplified expression is 8x.
Question 23: Find the result of 7y - 3y.
Solution:
Subtract the coefficients of the like terms.
7y - 3y becomes (7 - 3)y.
Thus, the result is 4y.
Question 24: Simplify 4a + 7b - 3a.
Solution:
Combine the like terms 4a and -3a.
4a - 3a becomes (4 - 3)a.
The expression simplifies to a + 7b.
Question 25: Calculate the sum of 5x + 8y and 3x - 2y.
Solution:
Add the like terms separately.
Combine 5x and 3x to get 8x.
Combine 8y and -2y to get 6y.
The result is 8x + 6y.
Question 26: What is the result of subtracting 2x - 3y from 6x + 4y?
Solution:
Subtract each term separately.
6x - 2x results in 4x.
4y - (-3y) becomes 4y + 3y, resulting in 7y.
The answer is 4x + 7y.
Question 27: Simplify the expression 9m - 5n + 2m + 3n.
Solution:
Combine like terms 9m and 2m to get 11m.
Combine -5n and 3n to get -2n.
The simplified expression is 11m - 2n.
Question 28: Find the sum of 3p + 4q and -2p - 6q.
Solution:
Add the like terms separately.
3p + (-2p) results in p.
4q + (-6q) results in -2q.
The final expression is p - 2q.
Question 29: Simplify the expression 4x2 + 5x - 3 + 2x2 - 7x + 6.
Solution:
Combine like terms.
Add 4x2 and 2x2 to get 6x2.
Combine 5x and -7x to get -2x.
Add -3 and 6 to get 3.
The simplified expression is 6x2 - 2x + 3.
Question 30: Find the result of subtracting 3y2 - 4y + 7 from 5y2 + 2y - 1.
Solution:
Subtract each term separately.
5y2 - 3y2 results in 2y2.
2y - (-4y) becomes 2y + 4y, resulting in 6y.
-1 - 7 becomes -8.
The answer is 2y2 + 6y - 8.
Question 31: Simplify the sum of 2x3 - 3x2 + x - 5 and -x3 + 4x2 - 2x + 6.
Solution:
Combine like terms.
Add 2x3 and -x3 to get x3.
Combine -3x2 and 4x2 to get x2.
Add x and -2x to get -x.
Combine -5 and 6 to get 1.
The final expression is x3 + x2 - x + 1.
Question 32: Give an expression for the following case:
The total cost (C) when buying x number of notebooks, each costing $3, and y number of pens, each costing $1.50.
Solution:
The cost for notebooks is $3 per notebook, so the cost for x notebooks is 3x.
The cost for pens is $1.50 per pen, so the cost for y pens is 1.50y.
The total cost, C, is the sum of these costs: C = 3x + 1.50y.
Question 33: Give an expression for the following case:
The perimeter (P) of a rectangle with a length of (2x + 5) meters and a width of (x + 3) meters.
Solution:
The perimeter of a rectangle is given by P = 2(length + width).
Substituting the given lengths, P = 2((2x + 5) + (x + 3)).
Simplifying, P = 2(3x + 8).
Question 34: Give an expression for the following case:
The area (A) of a triangle with a base of (x + 4) meters and a height of (2x - 3) meters.
Solution:
The area of a triangle is given by A = 1/2(base * height).
Substituting the given measurements, A = 1/2((x + 4) * (2x - 3)).
Simplifying, A = (x + 4)(x - 1.5).
Question 35: Give an expression for the following case:
The total distance (D) traveled when driving x kilometers at a speed of 60 km/hr and then an additional y kilometers at 80 km/hr.
Solution:
The distance does not depend on the speed, so the total distance is simply the sum of the two individual distances.
Therefore, D = x + y.
Also Check:
Algebra Practice Questions
Similar Reads
Maths Mathematics, often referred to as "math" for short. It is the study of numbers, quantities, shapes, structures, patterns, and relationships. It is a fundamental subject that explores the logical reasoning and systematic approach to solving problems. Mathematics is used extensively in various fields
5 min read
Basic Arithmetic
What are Numbers?Numbers are symbols we use to count, measure, and describe things. They are everywhere in our daily lives and help us understand and organize the world.Numbers are like tools that help us:Count how many things there are (e.g., 1 apple, 3 pencils).Measure things (e.g., 5 meters, 10 kilograms).Show or
15+ min read
Arithmetic OperationsArithmetic Operations are the basic mathematical operationsâAddition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Divisionâused for calculations. These operations form the foundation of mathematics and are essential in daily life, such as sharing items, calculating bills, solving time and work problems, and in
9 min read
Fractions - Definition, Types and ExamplesFractions are numerical expressions used to represent parts of a whole or ratios between quantities. They consist of a numerator (the top number), indicating how many parts are considered, and a denominator (the bottom number), showing the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into. For E
7 min read
What are Decimals?Decimals are numbers that use a decimal point to separate the whole number part from the fractional part. This system helps represent values between whole numbers, making it easier to express and measure smaller quantities. Each digit after the decimal point represents a specific place value, like t
10 min read
ExponentsExponents are a way to show that a number (base) is multiplied by itself many times. It's written as a small number (called the exponent) to the top right of the base number.Think of exponents as a shortcut for repeated multiplication:23 means 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 52 means 5 x 5 = 25So instead of writing t
9 min read
PercentageIn mathematics, a percentage is a figure or ratio that signifies a fraction out of 100, i.e., A fraction whose denominator is 100 is called a Percent. In all the fractions where the denominator is 100, we can remove the denominator and put the % sign.For example, the fraction 23/100 can be written a
5 min read
Algebra
Variable in MathsA variable is like a placeholder or a box that can hold different values. In math, it's often represented by a letter, like x or y. The value of a variable can change depending on the situation. For example, if you have the equation y = 2x + 3, the value of y depends on the value of x. So, if you ch
5 min read
Polynomials| Degree | Types | Properties and ExamplesPolynomials are mathematical expressions made up of variables (often represented by letters like x, y, etc.), constants (like numbers), and exponents (which are non-negative integers). These expressions are combined using addition, subtraction, and multiplication operations.A polynomial can have one
9 min read
CoefficientA coefficient is a number that multiplies a variable in a mathematical expression. It tells you how much of that variable you have. For example, in the term 5x, the coefficient is 5 â it means 5 times the variable x.Coefficients can be positive, negative, or zero. Algebraic EquationA coefficient is
8 min read
Algebraic IdentitiesAlgebraic Identities are fundamental equations in algebra where the left-hand side of the equation is always equal to the right-hand side, regardless of the values of the variables involved. These identities play a crucial role in simplifying algebraic computations and are essential for solving vari
14 min read
Properties of Algebraic OperationsAlgebraic operations are mathematical processes that involve the manipulation of numbers, variables, and symbols to produce new results or expressions. The basic algebraic operations are:Addition ( + ): The process of combining two or more numbers to get a sum. For example, 3 + 5 = 8.Subtraction (â)
3 min read
Geometry
Lines and AnglesLines and Angles are the basic terms used in geometry. They provide a base for understanding all the concepts of geometry. We define a line as a 1-D figure that can be extended to infinity in opposite directions, whereas an angle is defined as the opening created by joining two or more lines. An ang
9 min read
Geometric Shapes in MathsGeometric shapes are mathematical figures that represent the forms of objects in the real world. These shapes have defined boundaries, angles, and surfaces, and are fundamental to understanding geometry. Geometric shapes can be categorized into two main types based on their dimensions:2D Shapes (Two
2 min read
Area and Perimeter of Shapes | Formula and ExamplesArea and Perimeter are the two fundamental properties related to 2-dimensional shapes. Defining the size of the shape and the length of its boundary. By learning about the areas of 2D shapes, we can easily determine the surface areas of 3D bodies and the perimeter helps us to calculate the length of
10 min read
Surface Areas and VolumesSurface Area and Volume are two fundamental properties of a three-dimensional (3D) shape that help us understand and measure the space they occupy and their outer surfaces.Knowing how to determine surface area and volumes can be incredibly practical and handy in cases where you want to calculate the
10 min read
Points, Lines and PlanesPoints, Lines, and Planes are basic terms used in Geometry that have a specific meaning and are used to define the basis of geometry. We define a point as a location in 3-D or 2-D space that is represented using coordinates. We define a line as a geometrical figure that is extended in both direction
14 min read
Coordinate Axes and Coordinate Planes in 3D spaceIn a plane, we know that we need two mutually perpendicular lines to locate the position of a point. These lines are called coordinate axes of the plane and the plane is usually called the Cartesian plane. But in real life, we do not have such a plane. In real life, we need some extra information su
6 min read
Trigonometry & Vector Algebra
Trigonometric RatiosThere are three sides of a triangle Hypotenuse, Adjacent, and Opposite. The ratios between these sides based on the angle between them is called Trigonometric Ratio. The six trigonometric ratios are: sine (sin), cosine (cos), tangent (tan), cotangent (cot), cosecant (cosec), and secant (sec).As give
4 min read
Trigonometric Equations | Definition, Examples & How to SolveTrigonometric equations are mathematical expressions that involve trigonometric functions (such as sine, cosine, tangent, etc.) and are set equal to a value. The goal is to find the values of the variable (usually an angle) that satisfy the equation.For example, a simple trigonometric equation might
9 min read
Trigonometric IdentitiesTrigonometric identities play an important role in simplifying expressions and solving equations involving trigonometric functions. These identities, which include relationships between angles and sides of triangles, are widely used in fields like geometry, engineering, and physics. Some important t
10 min read
Trigonometric FunctionsTrigonometric Functions, often simply called trig functions, are mathematical functions that relate the angles of a right triangle to the ratios of the lengths of its sides.Trigonometric functions are the basic functions used in trigonometry and they are used for solving various types of problems in
6 min read
Inverse Trigonometric Functions | Definition, Formula, Types and Examples Inverse trigonometric functions are the inverse functions of basic trigonometric functions. In mathematics, inverse trigonometric functions are also known as arcus functions or anti-trigonometric functions. The inverse trigonometric functions are the inverse functions of basic trigonometric function
11 min read
Inverse Trigonometric IdentitiesInverse trigonometric functions are also known as arcus functions or anti-trigonometric functions. These functions are the inverse functions of basic trigonometric functions, i.e., sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, secant, and cotangent. It is used to find the angles with any trigonometric ratio. Inv
9 min read
Calculus
Introduction to Differential CalculusDifferential calculus is a branch of calculus that deals with the study of rates of change of functions and the behaviour of these functions in response to infinitesimal changes in their independent variables.Some of the prerequisites for Differential Calculus include:Independent and Dependent Varia
6 min read
Limits in CalculusIn mathematics, a limit is a fundamental concept that describes the behaviour of a function or sequence as its input approaches a particular value. Limits are used in calculus to define derivatives, continuity, and integrals, and they are defined as the approaching value of the function with the inp
12 min read
Continuity of FunctionsContinuity of functions is an important unit of Calculus as it forms the base and it helps us further to prove whether a function is differentiable or not. A continuous function is a function which when drawn on a paper does not have a break. The continuity can also be proved using the concept of li
13 min read
DifferentiationDifferentiation in mathematics refers to the process of finding the derivative of a function, which involves determining the rate of change of a function with respect to its variables.In simple terms, it is a way of finding how things change. Imagine you're driving a car and looking at how your spee
2 min read
Differentiability of a Function | Class 12 MathsContinuity or continuous which means, "a function is continuous at its domain if its graph is a curve without breaks or jumps". A function is continuous at a point in its domain if its graph does not have breaks or jumps in the immediate neighborhood of the point. Continuity at a Point: A function f
11 min read
IntegrationIntegration, in simple terms, is a way to add up small pieces to find the total of something, especially when those pieces are changing or not uniform.Imagine you have a car driving along a road, and its speed changes over time. At some moments, it's going faster; at other moments, it's slower. If y
3 min read
Probability and Statistics
Basic Concepts of ProbabilityProbability is defined as the likelihood of the occurrence of any event. It is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where 0 is the probability of an impossible event and 1 is the probability of a sure event.Concepts of Probability are used in various real life scenarios : Stock Market : Investors
7 min read
Bayes' TheoremBayes' Theorem is a mathematical formula used to determine the conditional probability of an event based on prior knowledge and new evidence. It adjusts probabilities when new information comes in and helps make better decisions in uncertain situations.Bayes' Theorem helps us update probabilities ba
13 min read
Probability Distribution - Function, Formula, TableA probability distribution is a mathematical function or rule that describes how the probabilities of different outcomes are assigned to the possible values of a random variable. It provides a way of modeling the likelihood of each outcome in a random experiment.While a Frequency Distribution shows
13 min read
Descriptive StatisticStatistics is the foundation of data science. Descriptive statistics are simple tools that help us understand and summarize data. They show the basic features of a dataset, like the average, highest and lowest values and how spread out the numbers are. It's the first step in making sense of informat
5 min read
What is Inferential Statistics?Inferential statistics is an important tool that allows us to make predictions and conclusions about a population based on sample data. Unlike descriptive statistics, which only summarize data, inferential statistics let us test hypotheses, make estimates, and measure the uncertainty about our predi
7 min read
Measures of Central Tendency in StatisticsCentral tendencies in statistics are numerical values that represent the middle or typical value of a dataset. Also known as averages, they provide a summary of the entire data, making it easier to understand the overall pattern or behavior. These values are useful because they capture the essence o
11 min read
Set TheorySet theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with collections of objects, called sets. A set is simply a collection of distinct elements, such as numbers, letters, or even everyday objects, that share a common property or rule.Example of SetsSome examples of sets include:A set of fruits: {apple,
3 min read
Practice