Skip to Content
Basic Math and Pre-Algebra For Dummies, 2nd Edition
book

Basic Math and Pre-Algebra For Dummies, 2nd Edition

by Mark Zegarelli
February 2014
Beginner
384 pages
6h 58m
English
For Dummies
Content preview from Basic Math and Pre-Algebra For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 23

Putting Mr. X to Work: Algebra Word Problems

In This Chapter

arrow Solving algebra word problems in simple steps

arrow Choosing variables

arrow Using charts

Word problems that require algebra are among the toughest problems that students face — and the most common. Teachers just love algebra word problems because they bring together a lot of what you know, such as solving algebra equations (Chapters 21 and 22) and turning words into numbers (see Chapters 6, 13, and 18). And standardized tests virtually always include these types of problems.

In this chapter, I show you a five-step method for using algebra to solve word problems. Then I give you a bunch of examples that take you through all five steps.

Along the way, I give you some important tips that can make solving word problems easier. First, I show you how to choose a variable that makes your equation as simple as possible. Next, I give you practice organizing information from the problem into a chart. By the end of this chapter, you'll have a solid understanding of how to solve a wide variety of algebra word problems.

Solving Algebra Word Problems in Five Steps

Everything from Chapters 21 and 22 comes into play when you use algebra ...

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.

Read now

Unlock full access

More than 5,000 organizations count on O’Reilly

AirBnbBlueOriginElectronic ArtsHomeDepotNasdaqRakutenTata Consultancy Services

QuotationMarkO’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.
Julian F.
Head of Cybersecurity
QuotationMarkI wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.
Addison B.
Field Engineer
QuotationMarkI’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.
Amir M.
Data Platform Tech Lead
QuotationMarkI'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.
Mark W.
Embedded Software Engineer

You might also like

Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Basic Math and Pre-Algebra Workbook For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Mark Zegarelli
Pre-Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Pre-Calculus For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Yang Kuang PhD, Elleyne Kase

Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9781118791998Purchase book