Word problems are mathematical problems presented in a narrative format, often involving real-life scenarios. They require comprehension and translation of text into mathematical expressions, a crucial skill for both ACT Math tests and real-world problem-solving. While they can seem daunting due to their wordy nature, breaking down a word problem into understandable parts is a key strategy.
To solve word problems effectively, one must:
- Read the problem thoroughly.
- Identify and highlight the key pieces of information.
- Translate the words into an algebraic equation.
- Solve the equation using appropriate mathematical techniques.
- Verify that the solution makes sense within the context of the problem.
In our example, identifying the one-time fee, the monthly fee, and the total amount Brendan wrote on the check was crucial. Translating these into the equation \(140 + 40x = 500\) and solving for the number of months he could pay for was the challenge that we had successfully tackled using algebra.