1. Converting Word Problems into Algebraic Equations Brought to you by Tutorial Services – The Math Center

2. Workshop Objectives In this workshop, we will:  Learn how to develop a strategy for solving word problems  Learn how to “translate” word problems into algebraic (math) symbols  Work out some examples

3. Developing a strategy Read the problem carefully! Try to describe the information given in your own words. Identify what the word problem is asking you for.  Algebraic expression  Solving an equation Ex. 5x + 3 Ex. 5x + 3 = 23

4. “Translating” the words Refer to the table on the Identify all key words given in the word problem. Do any of the key words require special attention to order? Begin your translation! “Sum”“Difference”“Quotient”“Product” student handout.

5. Example 1 Six subtracted from 5 times a number  Based on the key words, what operation will you be doing?  Are we just writing the algebraic expression or do we have to solve an equation?  According to the table, do you have to be careful with order? “Subtracted”“Times” “is” 6 - Where?

6. Example 1 (cont.) Translate into symbols Write down operation sign Write what comes after “subtracted from” before the minus sign Write what comes before “subtracted from” after the minus sign Final algebraic expression - 5x6 Final Expression:

7. Example 2 Twice a number plus one is equal to 145.  Based on the key words, what operation will you be doing?  Are we just writing the algebraic expression or do we have to solve an equation?  According to the table, do you have to be careful with order? “Plus” “is” 2x+ Does it matter?

8. Example 2 (cont.) Translate into symbols Keyword? Twice a number Twice a number plus one is equal to 145. Solve for unknown value “Plus”+ 2x 2x + 1=145 2x1=145- 1 2x=144 22 x=72 +

9. Brought to you by Tutorial Services – The Math Center Questions?

10. Converting Word Problem Links Converting Word Problems Handout Translating Words into Algebraic Terms Converting Word Problems Quiz