Steps to Solving Word Problems

Math 9 Solving Word Problems Lesson 1-3

Steps to Solving Word Problems 1) L - Let statements. Use a variable to represent the unknown quantity. If possible, express any other unknown quantities in terms of this variable ('then' statement).

2) E - Equation. Write an equation.

3) S - Solve the equation.

4) S - Subsitute your answer to check if it makes sense. Write a sentence.

Examples – Number Questions 1) The sum of two numbers is 48. One number is three times as great as the other. Find the two numbers.

2) The sum of three consecutive numbers is 114. Find the numbers.

3) A number is doubled and then decreased by 8. The result is 42. Find the number.

4) The sum of two numbers is 340 and their difference is 174. Find the numbers. Examples – Age Questions 5) Sam is twice Jennie’s age. Three years ago, sum of their ages was 45. How old is Jennie today?

6) Mary is twice as old as Sally. In four years, the sum of their ages will be 32. How old are they today?

Examples – Money Questions 7) You have 5 less quarters than nickels. If you have $1.75, how many nickels do you have?

8) You have 6 more dimes than nickels. If you have $1.65, how many nickels do you have? Examples – Percent Questions 9) How many millilitres of 50% acid solution must be mixed with 30% solution to produce 100 ml of 45% solution?

10) How many millilitres of 50% acid solution must be mixed with 30% solution to produce 200 ml of 45% solution?

Examples – Distance OR Speed Only Questions 11) Jim ran 1.3 times faster than Bill during the 100 m dash. The difference in their speed was 18 m / h. Find the speed of each racer. Examples – DRT Questions 12) A woman travels a certain distance by motor scooter at 50 km/h and returns at 60 km/h. Find the distance between the two places if the total travelling time was 11h.

13) A woman travels a certain distance by motor scooter at 40 km/h and returns at 70 km/h. Find the distance between the two places if the total travelling time was 13h.