Our main emphasis in solving a word problem is not just getting an answer, because truthfully, we really don't care about the specific answer within this contrived context. I do care about learning how to read a word problem in order to determine what is being asked and extracting and organizing the pertinent information so that it is accessible and can be used to model the situation described. I also care about presenting the work in a manner that others can follow (ok, so I want to be able to follow it). The following problems types are those that are typical for college algebra and the examples will emphasize those aspects of the problems that I consider most important. While you may be able to determine the answer to the problem "in your head", I will require that the following be shown in the work that you turn in to me. (2) write an equation that models the situation and solve, and (3) state your solution. Ok, enough of the pre-show build up. On to the various problem types. If you would like to see a problem type that is not listed here then email me. I have been known to take requests. © 1999 Jo Steig
Word problems are problems that are presented in words rather than in equation form. Because the intent is to provide experiences in many of the different ways that algebra skills can be applied to (semi) real life situations, these problems are also called applications. We say that we are modeling the problem when we create an equation that describes the situation put forth in the words of the problem.
Applications that we typically encounter in college algebra courses seldom seem to grab the interest of students. One reason for this is that it is difficult to create a word problem that will appeal to all students. Another reason is that we, as instructors, attempt to present some 'standard' types of problems that allow you to gain some familiarity (and hoped for success) with modeling. Unfortunately, in an effort to help you be successful, we often simplify the problem to the point of absurdity. While I can apologize for that tendency, I will be guilty of the same thing since I am going to be taking problems that are similar to those in your text and I too want to help you identify a few patterns in application modeling that might help you later.
(1) identify the unknown and specify an appropriate variable
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