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Solving Word Problems
Word problems are exercises in which the problem is set up in text, rather than presented in
mathematical notation. You must identify the elements of the math problem and solve it. There are
many strategies for solving word problems. Some of the common strategies include making a list or
table; working backward; guessing, checking, and revising; and substituting simpler numbers to solve
the problem.
Skills Workshop 2
See It
Joi had minor service done on her car. The bill was $341.48 for parts and
labor. She was charged for 2.5 hours of labor, and the labor rate was $121 per
hour. How much were the parts? Since the end result is provided, work backward
from there to fi nd the requested information.
Step 1: Determine what is added to get the total bill.
parts + labor = $341.48
Step 2: Insert what is known.
parts + (2.5 hours × $121 per hour) = $341.48
parts + $302.50 = $341.48
Step 3: Subtract the labor charge from the total bill to fi nd the cost of the parts.
parts = $341.48 – $302.50 = $38.98
Check It
1. Jamal bought a dozen fruit cups for $8.46. Half of the fruit cups were
premium and cost twice as much as the others. How much does one
premium fruit cup cost?
2. Lauren received $0.83 in change from a purchase. If she received three
quarters and pennies, how many pennies did she receive?
Strategy How to Apply
List or table Identify information in the problem and organize it into a table to identify
patterns.
Work backward When an end result is provided, work backward from that to find the requested
information.
Guess, check,
revise
Start with a reasonable guess at the answer, check to see if it is correct, and revise
the guess as needed until the solution is found.
Substitute simpler
information
Use different numbers to simplify the problem and solve it, then solve the
problem using the provided numbers.