Mathematics
Grade 8
15 min
Multi step word problems
Multi step word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify key information and unknown quantities in multi-step word problems.
Break down complex word problems into a sequence of simpler, solvable steps.
Translate verbal descriptions into appropriate mathematical expressions and equations.
Apply problem-solving strategies to solve multi-step problems involving linear equations and systems of equations.
Solve multi-step word problems that incorporate geometric concepts like the Pythagorean Theorem.
Verify the reasonableness of solutions in the context of the original problem.
Ever feel like a detective 🕵️♀️ trying to piece together clues to solve a mystery? That's exactly what we'll do with multi-step word problems!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to approach complex word problems by bre...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative or story format, requiring translation into mathematical expressions or equations to find a solution.If a baker makes 25 cookies and sells 18, how many are left?
Multi-Step ProblemA word problem that requires two or more distinct mathematical operations or logical steps to arrive at the final solution.Sarah bought 3 shirts for $12 each and 2 pairs of socks for $5 a pair. How much did she spend in total?
KeywordsSpecific words or phrases within a word problem that often indicate which mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) or relationship to use.'Sum' suggests addition, 'product' suggests multiplication, 'per' often suggests division or multiplic...
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Core Formulas
General Problem-Solving Steps (Polya's Method)
1. Understand the Problem. 2. Devise a Plan. 3. Carry out the Plan. 4. Look Back.
This systematic approach helps break down any complex word problem into manageable stages, ensuring thorough comprehension, strategic planning, accurate execution, and critical evaluation of the solution.
Linear Equation Structure
$ax + b = c$
Used to model situations where there is a single unknown quantity (x) and a linear relationship between known values (a, b, c). It's a foundational tool for translating many word problems into solvable algebraic forms.
System of Two Linear Equations
$A_1x + B_1y = C_1 \ A_2x + B_2y = C_2$
Applied when a word problem involves two unknown quantities (x and y) and provides two distinct pieces o...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A boat travels upstream against the current at a speed of 10 mph. It travels downstream with the current at a speed of 18 mph. What is the speed of the boat in still water and the speed of the current?
A.Boat: 12 mph, Current: 6 mph
B.Boat: 14 mph, Current: 4 mph
C.Boat: 13 mph, Current: 5 mph
D.Boat: 15 mph, Current: 3 mph
Challenging
A rectangular box has a length of 8 inches and a width of 6 inches. The longest distance between any two corners of the box (the space diagonal) is 12 inches. What is the height of the box, rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch?
A.10.0 inches
B.6.6 inches
C.4.0 inches
D.8.0 inches
Challenging
A club is selling candles and plants to raise money. They make a profit of $4 for each candle and $7 for each plant. They need to make a total profit of at least $500. They have sold 60 candles so far. What is the minimum number of plants they must sell to reach their goal?
A.37 plants
B.38 plants
C.72 plants
D.36 plants
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