Seeking Help with Algebra Word Problems

Question

Hi everyone! I’m currently struggling with algebra word problems and would appreciate some guidance. Here’s an example of the type of problem I’m facing:

A train travels 60 miles per hour. How long will it take to travel 180 miles?

I understand the basics of setting up equations, but I often get confused with the wording and how to translate it into mathematical expressions. Could someone please walk me through the steps to solve this type of problem? Any tips or strategies for tackling word problems in general would also be greatly appreciated!

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Answer 1

Hello Noah,

First things first. Please put this equation in your memory bank because it’s gonna come up over and over again.

Rate times Time = Distance

Rate is the speed at which an object or person is moving. It can be measured in miles per hour, feet per second, meters second, and so on, basically any measurement that talks about distance per time

Time is a measurement in seconds hours days, etc.

Distance is how far a a vehicle has traveled or a ball has been thrown and so on

Using the equation

R times T = D

plugging in for R and D

60 times T = 180

solving for T

T = 180/60 =3 hours

you should put the units in equations so you don’t lose track of the units in the end when you get your final answer

T = (180 miles) divided by (60 miles per hour) =3 hours. The units cancelled out so that hours is the only unit remaining.

Whether I’m doing an algebra or pre-calculus or calculus word problem I try to follow the following general thought process to organize the plan of attack on a problem

First, I put a box around the main question

Second, underline the information needed

Third, circle the vocabulary in the problem and understand what it means

Lastly, eliminate the information that is not needed , sometimes word problems get too wordy

Answer 2

Distance = (Rate)(Time)

Distance = 180, Rate = 60, Time = T

So, 180 = 60T. Therefore, T = 180 / 60 = 3 hours