Algebra Word Problems
Translating real-world situations into algebraic equations is a powerful problem-solving skill.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Read carefully to identify the unknown — give it a variable name
Write an equation that represents the situation
Solve the equation and check your answer makes sense
Label your final answer with correct units
Key Vocabulary
Variable
A letter representing an unknown quantity
Equation
A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal
Constant
A fixed value that does not change
Solution
The value of the variable that makes the equation true
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Sam has 3 more than twice the number of stickers Tom has. Sam has 17 stickers. How many does Tom have?
Question 2
A rectangle is twice as long as it is wide. Its perimeter is 48 cm. What is the width?
Question 3
Five consecutive integers add to 70. What is the smallest integer?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Read carefully to identify the unknown — give it a variable name
- ●Write an equation that represents the situation
- ●Solve the equation and check your answer makes sense
- ●Label your final answer with correct units