Activity (Process)

Strategy for Solving Formula-Based Applications

When a word problem involves a known formula, the general seven-step problem-solving strategy is adapted so that the Translate step uses the formula directly rather than constructing an equation from scratch. The revised steps are:

  1. Read the problem and make sure all the words and ideas are understood.
  2. Identify what you are looking for.
  3. Name the unknown by choosing a variable to represent it.
  4. Translate by writing the appropriate formula for the situation and substituting in the given information.
  5. Solve the resulting equation using standard algebra techniques.
  6. Check the answer in the original problem to make sure it is reasonable.
  7. Answer the question with a complete sentence.

Organizing the known and unknown quantities into a small chart before substituting can help keep the information clear. For instance, when working with d=rtd = rt, listing which of dd, rr, and tt are given and which is unknown makes it straightforward to substitute and solve.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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