In this video, learn how writing an algebraic equation can help solve a real-life scenario—in this case, determining in advance when to buy a supply of cat food. Learning how to translate a real-life scenario to mathematical language is an important skill. In the accompanying classroom activity, students practice developing expressions and equations from story problems. Special attention is paid to identifying the variable. Students also take turns as mathematicians, coming up with some of their own scenarios for their classmates to solve.