WORD PROBLEMS
Algebra
= 50 miles per hour
75 miles
11
2
hours
The average speed by plane is 500 miles per hour.
= 500 miles per hour
1250 miles
21
2
hours
The total time traveling is 4 hours.
1½ hours + 2½ hours = 4 hours
Thus, the answers check.
Solving Word Problems Involving Quadratic Equations
Many algebraic word problems involve quadratic equations. Any time the algebraic expressions
describing the relationships in the problem involve a quantity multiplied by itself, a quadratic
equation must be used to solve the problem. The steps for solving word problems involving
quadratic equations are the same as for solving word problems involving linear equations.
Example:
A radiation control point is set up near a solid waste disposal facility. The pad on which
the facility is set up measures 20 feet by 30 feet. If the health physicist sets up a
controlled walkway around the pad that reduces the area by 264 square feet, how wide
is the walkway?
Solution:
Step 1.
Let x = Width of the Walkway
Step 2.
Then,
30 - 2x = Length of Reduced Pad
20 - 2x = Width of Reduced Pad
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