Problem 75 - College Algebra Essentials

Question

In your own words, describe a step-by-step approach for solving algebraic word problems.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Understand the problem and identify the unknowns, formulate equations using the given information, solve these equations, and interpret the obtained solutions in the context of the problem.

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

Read the problem carefully and identify the knowns and unknowns. Try to understand what the problem is asking. Make sure all the units of measurement, if any, are consistent throughout the problem.

Step 2: Formulating the Equations

Using the information given, form equations that represent the problem. Usually, the number of equations required will be equal to the number of unknowns. Each sentence or set of sentences could represent one equation.

Step 3: Solving the Equations

Now solve the equations. This could involve methods of substitution, addition/subtraction or crossing multiplication (in case of proportion related problems). Always remember to follow the order of operations, i.e., Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

Step 4: Interpret the Solution

Finally, plug the obtained value(s) back into the original equations to check if they satisfy the equations. Also, try to make sense of the solution in terms of the word problem. Ask yourself whether the answer makes sense in the given context.