Unknown Number: variable (ex. an unknown number is divided by 3 = x / 3)
More than / Greater than: addition (ex. 3 more than an unknown number = x + 3)
Less than / Smaller than: subtraction (ex. 3 less than an unknown number = x – 3)
Times / Of: multiplication (ex. 15% of an unknown number = .15x)
Is: equal to (ex. y is 3 more than an unknown number: y = x + 3)
In terms of: variable remains in answer (ex. “x in terms of y”: 3 + x = y --> x = y - 3 )

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR WORD PROBLEMS

1. If 4/7 of a number is 2, what is 6/7 of the same number?

     Solution
     A) 4/7 of (×) a number (x) is (=) 2
          4/7x = 2
          4x = 14 --> x = 7/2 | (6/7)(7/2) = 6/2 --> 3

     B) What is (=) 6/7 of (×) the same number (x)?
          6/7x = ?
          (6/7)(7/2) = 6/2 --> 3

2. Katherine is three times older than Joel now. In twenty years Katherine will be six years older than Joel. How old is Katherine now?

     Solution
     A) Katherine is three times older than Joel now --> K = 3J
          In twenty years Katherine will be six years older than Joel --> K + 20 = J + 26

     B) How old is Katherine now? --> K + 20 = J + 26 --> J = K - 6

     C) Since K = 3J and J = K - 6, K = 3(K - 6) --> K = 3K - 18 --> 2K = 18 --> K = 9

Math: Word Problems

Lesson Includes:

— Math Terms for Word Problems

—Sample Practice Questions

—Practice Questions

Math

SAT Reading

SAT Writing

SAT Vocabulary

WORD MATH QUIZ

 

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