Two-step equation word problems, step by step

7.EE.B.4a is the standard where algebra stops being a puzzle and starts being a bill.

The question

How many swims was that?

A pool charges $8 to join and $5 a swim. One swimmer has paid $68.

5x + 8 = 68

5x = 60 and x = 12 swims

12 swims

Read it through once. The deliverable here is an EQUATION written with x, not just a number — so turn the story into one before solving it.
Let x stand for the unknown the story is about. Writing what the story says as an equation: 5x + 8 = 68.
Now solve it: 5x = 60 and x = 12 swims. The equation was what the question asked you to write; the number then answers it, in swims.

How it works.

01
Read it through once. The deliverable here is an EQUATION written with x, not just a number — so turn the story into one before solving it.
02
Let x stand for the unknown the story is about. Writing what the story says as an equation: 5x + 8 = 68.
03
Now solve it: 5x = 60 and x = 12 swims. The equation was what the question asked you to write; the number then answers it, in swims.