Algebra Word Problem Age Problems

This video tutorial covers solving age-related algebra problems, commonly found in tests like the SAT and GRE. It begins with simple examples, such as determining the age difference between Jake and Ted, and progresses to more complex problems involving multiple variables and time shifts, like those of Marie and Sally, and Jim and Jake. The tutorial emphasizes translating word problems into algebraic equations and solving them step-by-step.

What is the first step in solving age-related algebra problems?

• Guess the ages based on the problem statement.

• Translate the word problem into an equation.

• Use a calculator to find the answer.

• Ignore the problem and move on.

If Jake is 12 years old and 6 years older than Ted, how old is Ted?

• 6 years old

• 8 years old

• 12 years old

• 18 years old

Sally is 7 years younger than Barbara, who is 28. How old is Sally?

• 21 years old

• 35 years old

• 14 years old

• 28 years old

Marie is 12 years older than Sally. Nine years ago, Marie was twice as old as Sally. How old is Sally now?

• 9 years old

• 33 years old

• 12 years old

• 21 years old

Pat is 5 years older than his brother. In two years, their ages will sum to 23. How old is Pat now?

• 8 years old

• 12 years old

• 10 years old

• 15 years old

Six years from now, Jason will be twice as old as he was ten years ago. How old is Jason now?

• 26 years old

• 16 years old

• 32 years old

• 20 years old

Jim is 4 years older than Jake. If their ages add up to 16, how old is Jake?

• 10 years old

• 6 years old

• 8 years old

• 12 years old

What is a common mistake when solving age-related problems?

• Using too many variables.

• Not checking if the solution makes sense.

• Solving the problem too quickly.

• Ignoring the problem statement.

Why is it important to practice age-related algebra problems?

• They are not important for algebra.

• They are easy to solve without practice.

• They appear frequently in tests and exams.

• They are the only type of algebra problems.

What should you do if you get a negative age as a solution?

• Assume the problem is incorrect.

• Recheck your calculations and logic.

• Ignore the problem.

• Accept it as the correct answer.