APPROACH FOR BUILDING EQUATIONS PROBLEMS

These problems incorporate the skills needed for translation problems (Lesson 9), including the precise translation of words into mathematical equations. Building equation questions do not ask you to solve an equation, however, but merely to construct one based on the information given. They may include any of the concepts covered thus far in the online SAT Math Lessons.

TIP FOR BUILDING EQUATIONS PROBLEMS
Write out all the given information clearly. This advice may seem simple, but students most often fail to answer these questions correctly because 1) they misread the problem or 2) they become confused as to what the various variables in the question represent.
Please remember, whenever possible, to check the equation using real numbers. This double-check does not take much time and lets you check the answer.

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTION FOR BUILDING EQUATIONS

The sum of three consecutive even integers is equal to y. What is the value of the greatest of these integers in terms of y?

     Solution
     1) "sum": addition (+)
         "three consecutive even integers": x, x + 2, x + 4
         "is equal to y": = y

     2) x + x + 2 + x + 4= y
         3x + 6 = y
         x = (y - 6) / 3

     3) Greatest integer = x + 4 (not x)
         x + 4 = (y - 6) / 3 + 4

SAT Math: Building Equation Problems

Lesson Includes:

—Approach for Building Equation Problems

—Tip for Building Equations

—Sample Practice Questions

—Practice Questions

Math

SAT Reading

SAT Writing

SAT Vocabulary

WORD PROBLEM BUILDING REVIEW QUIZ

 

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