Word Problems

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What is a word problem?

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A word problem is a mathematical problem that is presented in the form of a narrative or story, requiring the reader to extract relevant information and formulate a mathematical equation to find a solution.

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How do you identify the important information in a word problem?

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To identify important information, read the problem carefully, underline or highlight key numbers, keywords, and phrases that indicate mathematical operations (e.g., total, difference, product).

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What is the first step in solving a word problem?

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The first step is to understand the problem by reading it thoroughly and determining what is being asked.

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What does 'translate' mean in the context of word problems?

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Translate means to convert the words of the problem into mathematical expressions or equations.

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What is a variable in a word problem?

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A variable is a symbol (often a letter) used to represent an unknown quantity in mathematical expressions or equations.

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How can you check if your answer to a word problem is reasonable?

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You can check if your answer is reasonable by estimating the solution and comparing it to your calculated answer, ensuring it makes sense in the context of the problem.

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What is the difference between a 'sum' and a 'difference' in word problems?

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A 'sum' refers to the result of adding two or more numbers, while a 'difference' refers to the result of subtracting one number from another.

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What does 'per' mean in word problems?

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'Per' indicates a rate or ratio, often used to express quantities in relation to each other, such as 'miles per hour' or 'cost per item'.

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

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To set up an equation, identify the variables, translate the words into mathematical operations, and write an equation that represents the relationship described in the problem.

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What is a 'rate' in the context of word problems?

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A rate is a ratio that compares two different quantities, often expressed as a fraction, such as speed (distance/time) or cost (price/quantity).