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WORD PROBLEMS
Steps for Solving Algebraic Word Problems - h1014v1_158

Mathematics Volume 1 of 2
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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







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