Download Solving Word Problems

Solving Word Problems
Solving word problems can be torture! If you find yourself avoiding
the word problems in your homework, try using these simple
techniques and see if they don't become easier.
SOLVING
1. Identify What the Problem is Asking For.
What is being asked for? Read through the problem and
determine what you are trying to find. Is it when two trains
will pass? Is it how big a room is?
2. Identify What Information is Given.
Pay attention to all the numbers, figures, relations, etc. Draw
a picture to help you visualize it if that will help.
3. Identify Variables and Set Up Equation.
Some problems will require you to find more than one
unknown. If so, set up multiple variables. Write down what
each variable is (for instance X = number of cars, Y = miles
driven.) If you can, set up an equation using the information
given.
4. Ignore Extra Information.
Sometimes a word problem will give you extra information. If
you don't need something, don't worry - just ignore it!
5. Solve the Equation.
Make sure you have everything in the same units (change
meters to centimeters, feet to inches, etc.) Simplify your
answer if possible.
6. Make Sure you Answered the Question.
Double check that you solved for the right variable.
Sometimes you may need to solve for two variables when the
problem only asks for one.
7. Check Your Answer.
Check your answer in the equation again, make sure it's in
the correct units, and look to see if it makes sense.
KEY WORDS/TRANSLATION
Use these translations to help set up your equation.
EQUALS: is, was, is equal to, is the same as
ADDITION: sum, total, add, plus, increase, more than, added to
SUBTRACTION: fewer, remainder, difference, less than, reduce,
minus, decrease, smaller than
MULTIPLICATION: times, of, at, product, twice
DIVISION: divided by, ratio, half, quotient
EXAMPLE
One number is four times as large as another number. If the
smaller number is increased by 10, the result is 4 less than twice
the larger number. What is the larger number?
1. What is the problem asking for? The larger number.
2. What information is given? Relations between the two
numbers.
3. Identify variables and Set up Equation. Let's say the smaller
number is X and the larger number is 4X. The equation will
be: X + 10 = 2 (4X) - 4
(the smaller number increased by 10) = (2 times the larger
number less 4)
4. Ignore extra information. There is no extra information.
5. Solve the euqation.
X + 10 = 8X – 4
X - 8X = -4 -10
-7X = -14
X=2
6. Make sure you answered the question. We need the larger
number which is 3 x 2 = 6.
7. Check your answer. 2 + 10 = 8(2) - 4 -> 12 = 12.