Word Problems Math Work Done

Introduction:
The numbers and variables in a problem which are given in the form of words are known as word problems. It is hard to translate the words into mathematical expression or equations. When it is done, then it is easy to solve those problems. But translation of those words to mathematical symbols or equation is hard. Understanding the word problem is more important than solving it. Without understanding the math word problems the solving work can’t be done. Understanding What is Arithmetic Mean? is always challenging for me but thanks to all math help websites to help me out.


Steps in solving Word problems:


The following are the steps to be considered when solving math word problems,

Step 1:  The first step in solving the word problems is, translating the given word data’s into numbers.

Step 2: After translation to numbers, read the problem completely and understand what is asked to find?

Step 3: Next step is to name the unknown values using variables like x, y z etc. This will help to solve the problem easily.

Step 4: After naming the unknown variables, work out the problem in an organized manner using basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

For example, if a word problem consists of two equations, first find the value of one unknown variable and then substitute that value in any one of the equation to find the another  value.


Math word problem work done examples:


Example 1: At present, the ratio between the ages of Anand and Ram is 3: 4. After 5 years, Anand's age will be 29 years. What is the age of Ram at present?

Solution:

Let the age of Anand = 3x

Let the age of Ram = 4x

3x + 5 = 29

Subtract 5 on both sides,

3x + 5 – 5 = 29 – 5

3x = 24

Divide 3 on both sides,

3x/3 = 24/3

x = 8

Ram age = 4(8)

= 32 yrs

Ram age is 32 years.

Example 2: Raj has some hens and sheep’s. If the number of heads is 50 and the number of feet equals 144, what will be the number of hens?
Solution:

Let the number of hens = x

Let the number of sheep’ = y

x + y = 50        equation 1

2x + 4y = 144    equation 2

Multiply equation 1 with 2,

2x + 2y = 100

2x + 4y = 144   (subtracting)

-2y = -44

-2y = -44

Divide 2 on both sides,

-2y/2 = -44/2

y = 22

Plug in y value in equation 1

x + y = 50

x + 22 = 50

Subtract 22 on both sides,

x + 22 – 22 = 50 – 22

x = 28

The number of hens is 28.