FinishHigh · 1-page summary
Solve a word problem in 4 steps
Word problems: 4 steps that work every time
Key points
- Find the question. Name the number you need, like x.
- Write what you know as an equation.
- Solve one move at a time. Do the same thing to both sides.
- Check your answer in the story. Does it really fit?
Worked example
A phone plan is $25 a month plus $0.10 per text. The bill is $32. How many texts?
Equation: 25 + 0.10x = 32
Take 25 from both sides: 0.10x = 7
Divide both sides by 0.10: x = 70
Check: 70 × $0.10 = $7, and $25 + $7 = $32. It fits.
Try it
A gym costs $20 a month plus $3 per class. Your bill is $41. How many classes did you take?
Answer: 20 + 3x = 41, so 3x = 21 and x = 7 classes. Check: 7 × $3 = $21, and $20 + $21 = $41.
Watch the video at finishhigh.com/videos. Independent practice for the GED® test. No pass guarantee.