Introduction - Text Problems

Deepen your knowledge with an interactive video lesson on this topic in our app. Quizzes and pauses will help you better absorb the material!

Solving text problems using linear equations is an important skill necessary for applying mathematics practically. In the future, it will allow solving various situations related to numbers and their relations using mathematical formulas and equations. Here's a simple task that can be calculated in the head, but let's do it the way it's done in algebra, and trust me, it won't be long before the tasks become more complicated - incalculable in the head, so enjoy this moment. The first and most important - read the task carefully. You decided to perform technical maintenance on a bicycle, and the first thing to do is change the worn-out tire. You have 50 euros, and you know that one new tire costs 20 euros. In addition to paying for the tire, you have to pay the mechanic for tire replacement and minor bicycle maintenance. If after the tire change and paying for the maintenance, you have 10 euros left, how much does the work cost? The second step: express all quantities. You know how much the tire costs, you don't know how much to pay the mechanic for the work, but you know how much will be left over, and all this together makes up the sum of money you had before deciding to perform the bicycle maintenance. Thus, the tire is twenty euros, the payment for maintenance is the unknown, and ten euros, which remained, and all this together is fifty euros. The equation to be solved looks like this. 20+x+10=50. The third step: We start solving, first simplify the equation by combining similar terms. Then we move numbers to the right x=50-30, x=20. of course, changing the sign. x=50-30 And, what a surprise! X=20. We verify the outcome by placing it in the place of the unknown, yes, we are right. But we can also express this text problem as 50-20-x=10, then the first: simplify the expression by performing the mathematical operation on the left side of the equation. Next, we isolate the value of x, but since there is only one variable then we move it to the right, but the number ten, changing its sign, we move to the left, And after performing the mathematical operation, we find that x is twenty. Remember: Algebraic problem-solving skills in text problems, not only help understand algebra, but in the future will improve your financial literacy and the ability to make thoughtful decisions.

Solving Text Problems with Linear Equations: Dive Deeper

Understanding and solving text problems using algebraic equations is a fundamental skill in mathematics that can significantly enhance both academic and real-life problem-solving abilities. While the video lesson introduced the concept of solving text problems with linear equations, let's delve deeper into more examples and strategies to strengthen your understanding.

Imagine you're planning a small party with a budget of $60. You want to buy balloons costing $2 each and have enough money left over to purchase a cake for $20. How many balloons can you buy?Let's break it down:

  • First, identify all the known values. You know the total budget ($60), the cost of the cake ($20), and the cost per balloon ($2).
  • Express the problem in an equation form. Let the number of balloons be 'b'. Therefore, 2b + 20 = 60.
  • To find the value of 'b', rearrange the equation: 2b = 40, thus b = 20.
You can purchase 20 balloons for your party and stay within budget.

This method of breaking down a problem, translating it into an equation, and solving for the unknown can be applied to a wide variety of situations beyond just shopping scenarios. It enhances critical thinking, promotes financial literacy, and sharpens problem-solving skills.

Embracing these algebraic problem-solving techniques prepares you not only for academic success but for making informed decisions in everyday life. Remember, practice is key to mastering algebraic text problems, so keep challenging yourself with new problems.