Algebra: Symbol Word Problems

Symbol Problems are word problems that use symbols to represent a certain group of operations.
The question will always tell you what the symbols means. Read the question carefully and then plug in the numbers.

General Strategies:

1. Understand the Symbols: Carefully examine what each symbol represents. It might be a number, an operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), or a combination of both.
2. Look for Patterns: Often, there’s a pattern or rule that connects the symbols. Try to identify this rule.
3. Substitute and Solve: Once you understand the symbols and the pattern, substitute the given values and solve for the unknown.
4. Check Your Answer: Make sure your solution fits the pattern and makes sense in the context of the problem.

Example 1:

What is the value of

Solution:

Step 1: Plug in

Step 2: Plug in x = 4

Step 3: Add the two

Answer:

Example 2:

If , what is the value of k?

Solution:

Step 1: Plug in x = 4 and y = 5

Step 2: Plug in x = k and y = 10

Step 3: Equate the two

Cross Multiply

Answer: 8

Symbols and Funky Functions
Some SAT questions use some really weird symbols to describe a function.

SAT Math Tutorial - Functions with Weird Symbols

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