How Do You Solve a Word Problem with an Equation Using Addition?

'm' is a variable that stands for Clarissa's starting money
From the problem statement we can create an equation:
'm' minus 55 is equal to 37
Addition is the opposite of subtraction, so add 55 to both sides
We are left with 'm = 92'
Plug 92 in for 'm' in the equation, and evaluate the equation to see if it is true
92 minus 55 is 37
Our answer of m=9 is correct!

1. 'm' is a variable that stands for Clarissa's starting money
1. Use the problem statement to create an equation
1. 'm' is a variable that stands for Clarissa's starting money
1. 'm' is a variable that stands for Clarissa's starting money
2. Since she spent $55 out of what she started with, subtract 55 from 'm'
1. She has $37 left over after spending $55, so 37 is the right hand side of our equation
1. Add 55 to both sides to solve for 'm'
2. Addition is the opposite of subtraction
3. 'm' is a variable that stands for Clarissa's starting money
1. Addition is the opposite of subtraction
2. 'm' is a variable that stands for Clarissa's starting money
1. Adding 55 to both sides will get 'm' alone on the left
1. The 55's on the left hand side cancel each other out
2. On the right hand side, 37 plus 55 is equal to 92
1. Plug 92 in for 'm' in our original equation and evaluate
1. Anywhere you see an 'm' in the original equation, put a 92 instead
2. Then, if the original equation makes a true statement, our answer is correct!
1. If the original equation makes a true statement, then our answer is correct!
1. We plugged in our answer of m=9 into our original equation, and it became a true statement!

Clarissa spent 55 dollars on a new coat. She has exactly 37 dollars left in her wallet. How much money did she start with?