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.
Refer to our Algebra page for more Algebra Word Problems.
Part 2: Solving the equations - finding the values of the variables for the equations.
Have a look at the following video for some introduction of how to solve algebra problems:
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