Activity (Process)

Problem-Solving Strategy for Word Problems

A systematic, seven-step strategy helps in solving algebraic word problems effectively:

  1. Read the problem carefully to ensure all words and ideas are understood.
  2. Identify exactly what you are looking for.
  3. Name what you are looking for by choosing a variable to represent that quantity.
  4. Translate the situation into an equation. It can be helpful to first restate the problem in a single sentence containing the important information.
  5. Solve the equation using appropriate algebraic techniques.
  6. Check the calculated answer against the original problem to make sure it makes logical sense.
  7. Answer the original question with a complete, clearly written sentence.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-03

Tags

OpenStax

Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.3 Math Models - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Math

Ch.5 Systems of Linear Equations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.10 Quadratic Equations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

Prealgebra

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.2 Solving Linear Equations - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.6 Factoring - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Related
Learn After