HERCOR COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Riverside Campus
Roxas Avenue, Roxas City
1st SEM Academic Year 2023 - 2024
INSTRUCTOR: Princess Alejandro
COURSE CODE: M100
COURSE DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: History of Mathematics
Class Reporter: Diaz, Aebril
Problem Solving
SOLVING WORD PROBLEMS:
Steps in solving worded problems using equations.
1. Read the problem carefully.
2. Determine the quantities that are known and those that are unknown. Use a variable to represent
one of the unknown quantities in the equation.
3. Write down any numerical facts about the variable.
4. Using the conditions in the problem, formulate the working equation.
5. Solve the equation, from the solution set, write a conclusion that answers the questions of the
problem. (Include unit of measurement)
6. Check the result by determining whether the conditions of the word problems are satisfied.
EXAMPLES: (to understand more clearly)
1. One number is 7 greater than the other number. The sum is 23. What are the numbers?
Solution:
Let x be the other number
x + 7 one number
The sum is 23. (When we say sum, you add.)
(x) + (x + 7) the sum of two numbers
(x) + (x + 7) = 23 the sum of two numbers is 23
(x) + (x+ 7) = 23
x+x+7 = 23
2x + 7 = 23
2x = 23 - 7
2x = 16
x=8
2. Jancee is 14 years younger than his oldest cousin. The sum of their ages is 56 How old is each of
them now?
Solution:
Let x be the age of the cousin:
x- 14 Jancee is 14 years younger than his cousin
x + (x - 14) = 56 ---the sum of their ages is 56
x+ x -14 = 56
2x-14=56
2x = 56 + 14
2x = 70
x = 70/2
x = 35 age of his cousin now
Jancee is 14 years younger
= x- 14
= 35-14
= 21 Jancee’s age
3. The difference of two numbers is 70. The greater number is three times the lesser. What are the
numbers?
Solution:
Let x the greater number y the lesser number
x - y = 70---The difference of two numbers is 70.
x = 3 (V) -- The greater number is three times the
lesser.
So, we have two equations.
x- y = 70 equation 1
x = 3 (y) equation 2
Substitute equation 2 to equation 1
x- y = 70
Зу - у = 70
2y = 70
y = 70/2
y = 35
Answer substitute in equation 2
x = 3 (y) equation 2
x = 3y
x = 3(35)
x = 105
Check:
x-y = 70
105 - 35 = 70
