Questions that arise in the real world are usually expressed in words, rather than in mathematical symbols. Problems in which a question is asked and pertinent information is supplied in the form of words are called “word problems” or “story problems”.

For working these problems, we recommended the following systematic procedure:

Step 1. Begin by reading the problem carefully, several times if necessary, until you understand it well. Draw a diagram whenever possible. Look for the question or questions you are to answer.

Step 2. List all of the unknown numerical quantities involved in the problem. It may be useful to arrange these quantities in a table or chart along with related know quantities. Select one of the unknown quantities on your list, one that seems to play a prominent role in the problem, and call it x. (Of course, any other letter will do as well.)

Step 3. Using information given or implied in the wording of the problem, write algebraic relationships among the numerical quantities listed in step 2. Relationships that express some of these quantities in term of x are especially useful. Reread the problem, sentence by sentence, to make sure you have rewriting all the given information in algebraic form.

Step 4. Combine the algebraic relationship written in step 3 into a single equation containing only x and known numerical constants.

Step 5. Solve the equation for x. Use this value of x to answer the question or questions in step 1.

Step 6. Check your answer to make certain that agrees with the facts in the problem.