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Study Guides > Prealgebra

Introduction to Using a Problem Solving Strategy

Highway into a city at night A clear strategy can put you on the fast track to solving word problems.
Equations, when used in our everyday lives, tends to be harder to solve because of their difficult wording. Numbers are generally spoken or delivered through written word. For example, how long would it take me to drive 10 miles if I am going 65 miles per hour? This chapter will teach you strategies when approaching word problems with no obvious equation, as well as how to apply these strategies to number problems.  

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this section, you will be able to:
  • Approach word problems with a positive attitude
  • Use a problem solving strategy for word problems
  • Solve number problems
  Before you get started in this module, try a few practice problems and review prior concepts.

READINESS QUIZ

1) If you missed this problem, review this video about solving a one step equation that contains a fraction. https://youtu.be/uzTns24bwHY If you missed this problem, review this video on solving linear equations that require two steps, and involve both addition/ subtraction and multiplication/ division. https://youtu.be/DqeQt-fhz2U
 

Licenses & Attributions

CC licensed content, Original

  • Question ID 140303, 115779, 140454. Authored by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution. License terms: IMathAS Community License, CC-BY + GPL.

CC licensed content, Shared previously

  • Ex 2: Solving Two-Step Equations Using Integers. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • The Language of Addition. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • The Language of Subtraction. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • The Language of Multiplication. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • The Language of Division. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • Ex: Solve One Step Equations With Fraction by Multiplying. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • Ex 2: Solving Two-Step Equations Using Integers. Authored by: James Sousa (Mathispower4u.com). License: CC BY: Attribution.
  • Highway at Night. Authored by: CityscapeGUY. Located at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/117317408@N03/12481560173/. License: CC BY: Attribution.