Algebra I / Elem. Algebra
Introduction to Algebra Linear Equations and Inequalities Functions and Graphs I Lines and thier Graphs Linear Systems
Algebra II / E&I Algebra
Exponents & Polynomials Intermediate Algebra starts here!

Factoring Rational Expressions Rational Equations and Applications
Algebra III / Inter. Algebra
Radical Expressions Nonlinear Equations and Applications Functions and Graphs II Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
College Algebra
Equations and Inequalitites Functions and Graphs Polynomial and Rational Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Systems and Matrices Geometry Basics Conic Sections Sequences and Series
Trigonometry
The Six Trigonometric Functions Right Triangle Trigonometry Circular Functions Graphs of Trigonometric Functions Trigonometric Identities Trigonometric Equations Oblique Triangles and the Laws Vectors Complex, Parametric, and Polar Forms
Calculus I
Limits and Continuity Derivatives Analysis of Curves Antiderivatives
Calculus II
Transcendental Functions
Geometry Physics Integration Techniques Calculus of Infinity Parametric, Polar, and Conic Curves
Calculus III
Calculus IV
15.Functions of Several Variables
16.Multiple Integration
17.Vector Analysis

Course: Algebra I / Elementary Algebra
Topic: Linear Equations and Inequalities
Subtopic: Applications of Linear Equations

Overview

Our first set of word problems! Be sure to concentrate on those types listed below. The key is in the translating step when the word problem is translated into an equation. Read the problem carefully, assign variables, know what you are looking to solve, take your time! You can do it if you take one step at a time and not allow yourself to get overwhelmed.

One caution when working with percent problems: remember that percents must be taken of something - so the percent must be multiplied by something. One of the most common errors is to take the percent of the wrong thing. For example, in "A TV is marked up 50% over its wholesale price. It sells for $200, what is the wholesale price?" It is WRONG to take 50% of$200 - that would be 50% of the retail price. Instead start with the unknown wholesale price, x, add the mark-up, 50% of x, to get the retail. I.e., solve x+0.50x=200.

Word problems is often a sticking point for students, but if you keep an optimistic attitude, take one step at a time, and read the problem carefully, you can do it! If you need additional assistance, I recommend a little book: How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra by Mildred Johnson. There are others available that are good too, but this one is easy to follow and full of examples like those we cover in this class.

Objectives

By the end of this topic you should know and be prepared to be tested on:

• 2.3.1 Solve elementary word problems of the following types:
Number problems (including consecutive integers)
Money problems
Percent problems
Geometry problems including perimeter, area
• 2.3.2 Solve triangle problems including those involving the "180° triangle theorem", complementary angles, or supplementary angles
• 2.3.3 Modeling data with a linear equation, i.e. describe an application using a linear equation

Terminology

Define: perimeter, area, vertex, angle, complementary, supplementary

Text Notes

You must know how to use the perimeter and area formulae for basic 2D shapes. However you can SKIP the 3D shapes. You will not be tested on volume nor surface area of 3D shapes in this level course.

Supplementary Resources

Looking for a sheet with all the geometry formulae? Maryland K12: Geometry Reference Sheet is a good (and printable) option. Remember though that we are only covering the 2D plane shapes not the 3D solid shapes.

For extra examples of basic word problems I recommend PurpleMath.com. Go to the lessons at www.purplemath.com/modules, scroll down to the "Solving Word Problems" section. There you will find links to "number" problems, "coin" (money) problems, "percent of" problems, and "area/volume/perimeter" (geometry) problems.