Steps for Solving Algebraic Word Problems

WORD PROBLEMS Algebra Step 2. Express the other unknowns in terms of x using the information given in the problem. Step 3. Write an equation that says in symbols exactly what the problem says in words. Step 4. Solve the equation. Step 5. Check the answer to see that it satisfies the conditions stated in the problem. Example 1: What are the capacities of two water storage tanks in a nuclear facility if one holds 9 gallons less than three times the other, and their total capacity is 63 gallons? Solution: Step 1. Let x = Capacity of the Smaller Tank Step 2. Then, 3x - 9 = Capacity of the Larger Tank Step 3. Total Capacity = Capacity of the Smaller Tank + Capacity of the Larger Tank 63 = x + (3x - 9) Step 4. Solving for x: x + (3x - 9) = 63 4x - 9 = 63 4x = 63 + 9 4x = 72 x = 18 MA-02 Page 44 Rev. 0