Is finding the value for the variable the only solution to real-world problems? Explain.

Anew shopping mall is gaining in popularity. every day since it opened, the number of shoppers is 5% more than the number of shoppers the day before. the total number of shoppers over the first 10 days is 1258 how many shoppers were on the first day?

What is the answer to this question? i'm a bit stumped. also how do i do it? 5(x - 4) = 2(x + 5)

For what value of (y) is 3^3/3^y =1/9