New News Algebra #2

Solving Word Problems

Idea: Word Problems = Math Scenarios

Difficulties when dealing with word problems:

•feel artificial and set up

• complex, hard to understand.

Lead to feeling nervous, unable to visualize the problem, and cannot concentrate on solving it.

So how to solve a word problem?

Prep work

Be human (become enthusiastic)

Do something (e.g. write down the numbers, read the question again...)

Actual Work

Visualize the problem using graphs, charts, etc. (e.g. draw out the quantities)

Solve the problem (turn the pictures into solvable equations).

Note: try using one variable to substitute all other variables (e.g. x+2x+x2/2) (e.g. x=124-y)