Algebra - Using Equations to Solve Word Problems

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing variables and constants.

Front

What does it mean to solve a word problem?

Back

To solve a word problem means to translate a real-world scenario into a mathematical equation and find the unknown variable.

Front

How do you represent a total cost in an equation?

Back

Total cost can be represented as fixed costs plus variable costs, e.g., Total Cost = Fixed Cost + (Variable Cost per item × Number of items).

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation.

Front

How do you set up an equation from a word problem?

Back

Identify the unknown, define variables, translate the scenario into a mathematical expression, and set it equal to the total or result.

Front

What does 'loss' mean in a mathematical context?

Back

Loss refers to a decrease in value, which can be represented as a negative number in equations.

Front

How do you calculate total loss from multiple losses?

Back

Add the absolute values of the losses together and represent the total as a negative value.

Front

What is the significance of the equal sign in an equation?

Back

The equal sign indicates that the expressions on both sides have the same value.

Front

How do you isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

To isolate a variable, perform inverse operations to both sides of the equation until the variable is alone on one side.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that forms a straight line when graphed, typically in the form y = mx + b.