Example 1: On a certain day, the euro was worth $0.8702. Express the value of x euros in dollars.
Choose variables for this problem.
Let u represent the number of dollars, and x represent the number of euros.
Express the value of x euros in dollars.
Since each euro is worth $0.8702, we have
u = 0.8702 * x.
Calculate the value of 400 euros.
We need to set up the equation with x = 400:
u = 0.8702 * 400 = 348.08
So 400 euros are worth $348.08.
Now find how many euros you could buy for $500.
Here the unknown is the number of euros, and we know the value of the variable u in our equation
u = 0.8702 * x.
500 = 0.8702 * x.
To solve this, we must divide both sides of the equation by 0.8702.
, or x = 574.58
So you would get 574.58 euros for your $500.