Solving Math Word Problems

ACC Summer Institute 2005 Fidel Rodriguez Jimmy Clark

Time and Distance Word Problems

Basic Concepts d = distance r = rate of speed t = time d=rXt r =d/t t =d/r

Process for Solving Math Word Problems

Follow these steps to solve math word problems: 1. State what is given 2. State what is required 3. Solve problem 4. Prove your solution

A Helpful Hint
Create a table or grid on paper or in Word. Sample columns:  Row headings d = r  X (times) t

Solving a Sample Distance Problem

A 555-mile plane trip was flown at two speeds. For the first part of the trip, the average speed was 105 mph. Then the tailwind picked up, and the remainder of the trip was flown at an average speed of 115 mph. For how long did the plane fly at each speed?

Purple Math Website

This problem comes from the website of Purple Math, a great resource for all sorts of information about mathematics. The URL for this website is:

Using the 4-Step Process to Solve the Problem

1. Given: d = 555 miles t = 5 hours r = 105 mph for first part of trip r = 115 mph for second part of journey Equation: d = r X t

Using the 4-Step Process to Solve the Problem (Cont)

2. Requested: Time (t) traveled at each rate of speed

Set up Table / Grid

d First Part Second Part TOTAL d = = r 105 115 X X t t

555 d = 555

X 5-t 5

SOLUTION:

d 555 d

105t

= 115(5-t) = 105t + 115(5-t) = 105t + 575 115t = -10t + 575

Add Equations Simplify

555 555

Add and Subtract 555

Solution Continued
d Add and Subtract Simplify Add and Subtract Minuses cancel out Solve for t The plane traveled at 105 mph for 2 hours. t for 2nd part of trip: The plane traveled at 115 mph for 3 hours. 5t = 5 -2 = 3 555 = = -10t + 575 -10t -10t 20 2 r X t

555 575 = -20 10t t = = =

Prove Your Solution

First Part: d = 105 X t d = 105 X 2 d = 210 miles d = 115 X t d = 115 X 3 d = 345 miles d = First Part + Second Part d = 210 + 345 d = 555 miles

Second Part:

Total:

Credits

Let the Credits Roll

We hope you enjoyed this presentation on how to solve distance word problems. This movie was produced by Fidel Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Austin Community College and Jimmy D. Clark, Instructional Design Specialist, Austin Community College.