how to solve word problems?

⚑ Flag

Since you don't state a problem I'll just use age problems for example.  Sheila is 4 times as old as Dave.  In 5 years Sheila's age will be 9 years more than Dave's age.  How old are Dave and Sheila?  Read the problem to determine what is being asked for as a final solution. Define your unknown, like Let x = Dave's age.  Do not say let x = Dave. Sheila's age now = 4x In 5 years Dave's age will be x + 5 Sheila's age will be 4x + 5 If you add 9 years to Dave's age it will equal Sheila's age at that time SO 4x + 5 = x + 5 + 9 = x + 14 3x = 9 x = 3  Dave's age 4x = 12    Sheila's age   Eventually some part of the problem statement will say two values are now equal.  Write those age statements on opposite sides of the equation.  Solve for x Solve for any other ages called for.