Solving a word problem with verbal expressions - Online tutor - Free math videos

The video tutorial addresses the common frustration with word problems, likening them to annoying siblings. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem by reading it carefully and identifying the question being asked. The tutorial then explains how to assign variables to unknowns and set up equations. Finally, it demonstrates solving the equation using the distributive property and ensuring variables are correctly defined and used.

How does the speaker initially describe word problems?

• As fun and easy

• As annoying and difficult

• As simple and straightforward

• As irrelevant and unnecessary

What is the first step in solving a word problem according to the speaker?

• Reading the problem carefully

• Assigning a variable

• Ignoring unnecessary details

• Writing down the solution

Why is it important to define a variable in a word problem?

• To confuse the reader

• To ensure clarity in what is being solved

• To make the problem more complex

• To avoid solving the problem

What variable does the speaker assign to the unknown number in the example problem?

• X

• Y

• Z

• N

What mathematical property is used to solve the word problem?

• Identity property

• Distributive property

• Associative property

• Commutative property

What mistake does the speaker correct regarding variable usage?

• Solving the problem too quickly

• Ignoring the problem statement

• Using the wrong mathematical operation

• Using multiple variables without definition

What is the final solution to the example word problem?

• The number is 12

• The number is 21

• The number is 18

• The number is 15