How to solve Algebra Word Problems?

Many students find solving algebra word problems difficult. The best way to approach word problems is to “divide and conquer”. Break the problem down into smaller bits and solve each bit at a time.

Solving word problems can be divided into two main parts. For each part you would need some tools and techniques to help you “divide and conquer”.

Part 1: Translating the problem into equations with variables

Translating words to equations

Recognizing some common types of algebra word problems:

Age Problems usually compare the ages of people. They may involve a single person, comparing his/her age in the past, present or future. They may also compare the ages involving more than one person.

Average Problems involve the computations for arithmetic mean or weighted average of different quantities. Another common type is the average speed computation.

Coin Problems deals with items with denominated values. Similar word problems are Stamp Problems and Ticket Problems.

Consecutive Integer Problems deals with consecutive numbers, and the number sequences may be even or odd, or some other simple number sequences.

Digit Problems involve the relationship and manipulation of digits in numbers.

Distance Problems involve the distance an object travels at a rate over a period of time.

Fraction Problems involve fractions or parts of a whole.

Geometry Word Problems deals with geometric figures and angles descrihed in words.

Integer Problems involves numerical representations of word problems

Interest Problems involves calculations of simple interest.

Lever Problems deals with the lever principle described in word problems.

Mixture Problems involves items or quantities of different values that are mixed together.

Number Sequence Problems use number sequences in the construction of word problems.

Proportion Problems involves proportional and inversely proportional relationships of various quantities.

Ratio Problems require you to relate quantities of different items in certain known ratios, or work out the ratios given certain quantities.

Symbol Problems use symbols to represent a group of operations.

Work Problems involve different people doing work together at different rates.

Part 2: Solving the equations - finding the values of the variables for the equations.

• Simplifying the equation
• Isolate the variable (Transposition)
• Addition Method (Opposite-Coefficient Method)
• Substitution Method
• Factoring Quadratic Equations
• Quadratic Formula

Have a look at the following video for some introduction of how to solve algebra problems:

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We shall be adding more types of algebra word problems. For each type, we shall suggest some standard ways to help you to break down the problem. Please use the Feedback form to let us know if you have other types of algebra word problems that you would like us to add here.

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