Hi Lisa,

In algebra problems like this you need to decide what quantity you want to be the variable or unknown. Sometimes your first attempt works but sometimes it turns out to be complicated and you have to choose another quantity. In this problem you are looking for the weight of the pumpkin so it seems natural to let this be the unknown.

Let the weight of the pumpkin be $w$ pounds. Now look at the fact that

The weight of the pumpkin is 10 pounds plus half of 10 pounds plus half it's own weight.

Write this fact as an equation involving $w$ and solve for $w.$

If you get stuck write back and tell us what you did and we will try to help,
Penny