Understand How to Use Algebra to Solve Word Problems

This is a guide to help introduce you to solving word problems the "algebra way". Most word problems in this class you need to go through a 4-part solving process. The one exception is when an equation is already given to you. Let's look at that 4 part method in the following presentation.

Want to see some examples of the 4-part technique in action. 

• Example 1: A Consecutive Integer Problem
• Example 2: A Board Splitting Problem

Like to try a few.

• Practice Problem 1: The second angle of a triangle is 55 degrees more than the first angle. The third angle is 15 degrees less than twice the first angle. Find all three angles. [here is the solution, don't peak until you've tried it.]
• Practice Problem 2: A hospital parking lot charges $2 for the first hour or part thereof, and $1 for each additional hour or part thereof. A weekly pass costs $47 and allows unlimited parking for 7 days. If each visit Jonny makes to the hospital lasts two and a half hours, what is the minimum number of visits for which buying a pass would be less expensive than paying each time? [here is the solution, don't peak until you've tried it.]
• Practice Problem 3: Value Rent-A-Car rents a luxury car at a daily rate of $41.72 plus 10 cents per mile. A business person is allotted $130 for car rental each day. How many miles can the business person travel on the $130? [here is the solution, don't peak until you've tried it.]

Now let's look at some common confusions in each of the steps.

• Part 1: Defining the Variable
• Part 2: Writing the Equation, Inequality, or System of Equations
• Part 3: Writing the Solution to the Equation, Inequality, or System of Equations
• Part 4: Write the Answer to Your Question

Lastly, never lose your sense of humor.