Solving Word Problems with Rational Equations

This video tutorial covers solving rational equations in word problems, focusing on rates and speeds. It includes two examples: one involving painting a fence and another about sorting mail. The tutorial explains how to set up and solve these equations by finding common denominators and solving for unknowns. The video concludes with a prompt for students to prepare questions for the next class.

What type of numbers are involved when dealing with rates in word problems?

• Natural numbers

• Whole numbers

• Irrational numbers

• Rational numbers

How much of the fence can Huck paint in one hour?

• 1/6 of the fence

• 1/3 of the fence

• 1/4 of the fence

• 1/5 of the fence

What equation represents the combined rate of Huck and Tom painting together?

• 1/X + 1/3 = 1/5

• 1/3 + 1/3 = 1/X

• 1/5 + 1/X = 1/3

• 1/5 + 1/3 = 1/X

What is the common denominator used to solve the fence painting problem?

• 15X

• 15

• 10X

• 5X

How long will it take Tom to paint the fence by himself?

• 6.5 hours

• 8 hours

• 7.5 hours

• 7 hours

What is the unit of time used in the mail sorting problem?

• Seconds

• Days

• Hours

• Minutes

How much of the job can the first clerk complete in one minute?

• 1/20 of the job

• 1/30 of the job

• 1/40 of the job

• 1/50 of the job

What equation represents the combined rate of the two clerks sorting mail together?

• 1/20 + 1/30 = 1/X

• 1/30 + 1/30 = 1/X

• 1/20 + 1/X = 1/30

• 1/X + 1/30 = 1/20

What is the common denominator used in the mail sorting problem?

• 50X

• 40X

• 60X

• 30X

How long will it take both clerks to sort the mail together?

• 10 minutes

• 11 minutes

• 12 minutes

• 13 minutes