Steps for Solving Algebraic Word Problems

Algebra WORD PROBLEMS If we let Bob’s age be represented by the symbol B and Joe’s age by the symbol J, this becomes B = J + 30 years Examples: Equations: 1. The total electrical output of one nuclear facility is 200 megawatts more than that of another nuclear facility. Let L be the output of the larger facility and S the capacity of the smaller facility. The statement above written in equation form becomes L = 200MW+ S. 2. The flow in one branch of a piping system is one-third that in the other branch. If B is the flow in the branch with more flow, and b is the flow in the smaller branch, this statement becomes the equation . b 1 3 B 3. A man is three times as old as his son was four years ago. Let M = man’s age and S = son’s age. Then M = 3 (S-4). 4. A car travels in one hour 40 miles less than twice as far as it travels in the next hour. Let x₁ be the distance it travels the first hour and x₂ the distance it travels the second then, x₁ = (2) (x₂) -40. Steps for Solving Algebraic Word Problems Algebraic word problems can involve any number of unknowns, and they can require any number of equations to solve. However, regardless of the number of unknowns or equations involved, the basic approach to solving these problems is the same. First, condense the available information into algebraic equations, and, second, solve the equations. The most straightforward type of algebraic word problems are those that require only one equation to solve. These problems are solved using five basic steps. Step 1. Let some letter, such as x, represent one of the unknowns. Rev. 0 Page 43 MA-02