For Algebra students who dislike Math and Reading, algebraic word problems can be an absolute nightmare!

In order to get the right answer, you have to do more than just look at the numbers and come to a conclusion – you need to read the Algebra problem carefully to ensure you have a solid understanding of what you are being asked to solve.

A Plus In Home Tutors can help Algebra students in Redondo Beach learn how to find clues within Algebra word problems

Say you’re given the following Algebra word problem:

Two consecutive numbers have a sum of 91. What are the numbers?

You may think, “okay, I’m looking for two different numbers. One will be ‘x’ and one will be ‘y’.” Sounds right, huh?

Wrong!

It’s important to really read every word of the sentence you’re given in Algebra – word problems will always be filled with little clues to help you come to the right answer. In this case, your clue is the word “consecutive.”

This means that one of the two unknown numbers will come right after the other! So instead of letting x = The First Unknown Number and letting y = The Second Unknown Number, you can help reduce the number of integers in the equation from two to one:

Let x = The First Consecutive Number
Let x + 1 = The Second Consecutive Number

The Algebra word problem states that the sum of the two mystery numbers is 91. Meaning that if you add the two numbers together, you get 91. Based on your let statements, the equation can thus be written:

x + (x + 1) = 91

After combining like terms, you get:

2x + 1 = 91

From there, you’ve turned your word problem (emphasis on problem!) into an ordinary Algebra equation! Subtract 1 from each side, and you get 2x = 91. Divide both sides by 2 and you get x = 45.

But if you circle that answer and move on to the next question… you’ll be wrong! The Algebra question asked for two numbers!

Go back to your let statement and figure out both of the numbers the question is looking for:

Let x = The First Consecutive Number = 45
Let x + 1 = The Second Consecutive Number = 46

So the correct answer is “45 and 46.”

In summary, just like the name suggests, Algebra word problems require you to actually read the words in the problem.

If you struggle with the patience to do so or with the ability to understand how to find the key clues that’ll help you solve these difficult Algebra questions, A Plus In Home Tutors in Redondo Beach will teach you invaluable tricks on how to simplify and master Algebra word problems!

Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming test or just need some help with your Algebra homework, A Plus In Home Tutors can set you up with the perfect Algebra tutor for your needs.

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Posted in Algebra, Math, Pre-Algebra, Tutor, Tutoring