Objective: Solve application problem by translating into equations and solving.
Now that we have learned how to translate and solve equations, we can begin to apply those skills towards perhaps the most important use of algebra: problem solving. Application problems are problems drawn from real-world scenarios which often require algebraic skills and steps in order to be solved. Solving these application problems can be difficult, therefore, you should use the following four-step problem-solving process for each problem:
1. Define your variables. In other words, determine what you are trying to solve for and define what your variables stand for in each problem.
2. Translate into an equation. Each application problem is written in words, you must determine how to translate this into the accurate algebraic equation.
3. Solve the equation. This is often the easiest part, because it simply requires using the problem-solving steps you've learned earlier in the chapter.
4. Clearly state and label your solution. Just because you've solved the equation for your variable doesn't mean you've fully answered the question. Make sure you do this final step.
Below are two videos that show how you should use this four-step process to solve several types of application problems:
Complete the worksheet attachment below and then check your answers using the solutions attachment. Once you have completed these exercises, click the link to advance to the next unit.