1. Word Problems Highlight the key information
Assign variables to represent the unknown values
Write equation to reflect the data.

2. Problem #1
You have two jobs. One as a lifeguard and one as a cashier. Your lifeguard job pays $8 per hour and cashier pays $6 per hour. Last week you worked a total of 14 hours between the two jobs and earned $96. How many hours did you work at each job?

3. Problem #1 Solution
You have two jobs. One as a lifeguard and one as a cashier. Your lifeguard job pays $8 per hour and cashier pays $6 per hour. Last week you worked a total of 14 hours between the two jobs and earned $96. How many hours did you work at each job?
Assign variables:
L – Hours at lifeguard; C – hours at cashier
Now write equations:
L + C = 14
8L + 6C = 96
Solution: (6, 8)

4. Problem #2
During a single calendar year, a state trooper issued 375 citations for warnings and speeding violations. There were 37 more warnings than speeding violations. How many of each citation were issued?

5. Problem #2 Solution
During a single calendar year, a state trooper issued 375 citations for warnings and speeding violations. There were 37 more warnings than speeding violations. How many of each citation were issued?
Assign variables:
W – # of warnings; S - # of speeding
Now write equations:
W + S = 375
W = S + 37
Solution: (206, 169)

6. Problem #3
At a pizza shop, two small pizzas, a liter of soda, and a salad cost $14; one small pizza, a liter of soda, and three salads cost $15; and three small pizzas and a liter of soda cost $16. What is the cost of each item sold separately?

7. Problem #3 Solution
At a pizza shop, two small pizzas, a liter of soda, and a salad cost $14; one small pizza, a liter of soda, and three salads cost $15; and three small pizzas and a liter of soda cost $16. What is the cost of each item sold separately?
Assign variables:
P – small pizza; L – liter of soda; S- salad
Now write equations:
2P + 1L + 1S = 14
1P + 1L + 3S = 15
3P + 1L = 16
Solution: (5, 1, 3)

8. Homework Matrix Worksheet
Don’t forget, ONE wrong keypunch and you get the wrong answer!!
Watch out for Negative Numbers!