WORD PROBLEMS
Algebra
Step 5.
Check the answer.
The area of the reduced area pad is 264 square feet less than the area of
the original pad.
600
264
(20
2x)(30
2x)
336
[20
2(3)][30
2(3)]
336
(20
6)(30
6)
336
(14)(24)
336
336
Thus, the answer checks.
Summary
The important information from this chapter is summarized below.
Algebraic Word Problems Summary
Algebraic word problems can easily be solved by following these five basic
steps:
Step 1.
Let some letter, such as x, represent one of
the unknowns.
Step 2.
Express the other unknowns in terms of x
using the information given in the problem.
Step 3.
Write an equation that represents in
symbols exactly what the problem states in
words.
Step 4.
Solve the equation.
Step 5.
Check the answer to see that it satisfies the
conditions stated in the problem.
MA-02
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