In a two-variable equation about time, the number after the equals sign has the same meaning as the entire expression before it. Identify what each letter measures, then read the operation joining them. A plus sign signals a combined amount; the trap is reading the right-hand number as if it belongs to only one letter.
Hints
- Hint 1
Both and measure minutes. Adding quantities in the same unit gives a combined time. What does measure when one letter stands for homework and the other for music?
- Hint 2
An equals sign says the expression on its left and the number on its right represent the same amount. Once you know what measures, what must measure?
Step-by-step
Read the sum in context
Step 1Identify what is being added
No Desmos needed. You're interpreting the equation, not solving it. The plus sign in joins Jacob's homework minutes and music minutes. Adding two times gives the time spent on both activities.
- Step 2
Interpret the number after the equals sign
Because , the combined time is minutes. The equation doesn't say that either activity alone took minutes. So Jacob spent minutes on homework and music together on Tuesday. Choice C.