Mathematics
Grade 9
15 min
Solve linear equations word problems
Solve linear equations word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Translate verbal phrases and sentences into algebraic expressions and linear equations.
Identify the unknown quantity in a word problem and assign it a variable.
Construct a linear equation that accurately models a real-world scenario.
Solve multi-step linear equations to find the value of the unknown variable.
Interpret the solution in the context of the original word problem and state the answer clearly.
Verify their solution by checking if it makes sense within the problem's context.
Ever tried to split a bill with friends or calculate how long it'll take to save up for a new phone? 📱 You're using the logic of algebra without even realizing it!
This tutorial will teach you a systematic process to turn real-world word problems into line...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VariableA symbol, usually a letter (like x or y), that represents an unknown number or quantity.In the phrase 'a number increased by 5', we can let 'x' be the variable that represents 'a number'.
Algebraic ExpressionA mathematical phrase that can contain numbers, variables, and operation symbols, but does not have an equal sign.If a shirt costs 'c' dollars, an expression for the cost of 4 shirts is '4c'.
Linear EquationA mathematical statement that two expressions are equal, where the highest power of the variable is 1.If 4 shirts cost $60, the linear equation is '4c = 60'.
CoefficientThe number that is multiplied by a variable.In the expression '7x', the coefficient is 7.
ConstantA term in an alge...
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Core Formulas
The 5-Step Word Problem Strategy
1. Read & Understand -> 2. Define Variable(s) -> 3. Write Equation -> 4. Solve Equation -> 5. Answer & Check
Use this systematic approach for every word problem. First, understand what is being asked. Then, assign a variable to the unknown. Translate the words into a mathematical equation. Solve for the variable using algebraic rules. Finally, state your answer in a complete sentence and check if it's reasonable.
Perimeter of a Rectangle
P = 2l + 2w
The perimeter (P) of a rectangle is equal to two times its length (l) plus two times its width (w). This is used in problems involving the distance around a rectangular shape.
Consecutive Integer Patterns
Consecutive: n, n+1, n+2, ... | Consecutive Even/Odd: n, n+2,...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A rectangular garden has a width of 'w' meters. Its length is 5 meters longer than its width. The garden is enclosed by a fence that costs $12 per meter. If the total cost of the fence is $624, what is the width of the garden?
A.12 m
B.10.5 m
C.21 m
D.13 m
Challenging
A water tank is 1/3 full. After 50 more gallons of water are added, the tank is 3/4 full. What is the total capacity of the tank in gallons?
A.100 gallons
B.150 gallons
C.80 gallons
D.120 gallons
Challenging
A train leaves a station at 9:00 AM traveling at 60 mph. A second train, carrying 150 passengers, leaves the same station an hour later traveling on a parallel track at 80 mph. At what time will the second train overtake the first?
A.12:00 PM
B.2:00 PM
C.1:00 PM
D.12:30 PM
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