Lesson · M.1.10
Expressions, equations, and inequalities
How to translate a word problem into an equation or inequality by naming a variable and matching key phrases to operations, worked step by step.
ObjectiveM.1.10Read2 minExam weightNumbers and Algebra ≈ 53% of Mathematics
This lesson is part of the full Study Guide
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See editions and pricing →What you will be able to do
- Translate a word problem into an equation or inequality by naming a variable.
- Match key phrases to the correct operation or inequality symbol.
- Solve an equation or inequality while checking that the answer is reasonable.
What the lesson concludes
- Define the variable in words before writing any symbols, so you always know what the letter represents.
- Match key phrases to operations: total suggests addition, per suggests multiplication, no more than or at least suggest an inequality.
- Solve an equation or inequality by applying the same operation to both sides until the variable stands alone.
- Check that the answer is reasonable for the situation, not just numerically correct.
- Set the expression up correctly first. The exam calculator only handles the arithmetic that follows.