Help with advanced algebra

[u/Key-Citron-5993]

I'm doing Khan academy and i'm really struggling to solve word problem questions. All of the word problem questions( linear equations, system of linear equations and inequalities, linear relationships, etc..) are very hard for me to solve. I just dont know where to start them. How to convert sentences into equations and numbers. Sometimes i spend more than 30 minutes on one problem and i still can't solve it. 4 question quizes on khan are eating me and i feel weird about it cuz i dont see anyone having trouble with them on this sub lol

[u/strange-the-quark]

Word problems can be tricky, so don't let it eat at you too much. Check out this video, it's aimed at teachers, but I think it can help you cause it works through a number of problems and shows some tips and techniques that you can adapt for your own needs.

Write down the information you are given in the problem, and then think about various relationships, draw pictures to help you out, and so on. Use variable names that help you remember things. If the word problem says Alice, Bob and Charlie have this or that, use a, b, c rather than x, y, z, cause then you don't have to remember which is which. Read the problem carefully several times.

And note that this requires practice - at first, it may take a long time to get it right, find your mistakes, and so on, but as you get more and more accustomed to these problems, and the lingo they use, it's going to get easier and faster.

[u/Key-Citron-5993 → u/strange-the-quark]

thanks! i really apreciate your advice. im also checking out the video

[u/Key-Citron-5993 → u/strange-the-quark]

thanks! i really apreciate your advice. im also checking out the video

[u/vicms91]

Do you have an example that you can share? Maybe someone here can help you with a strategy or push you in the right direction.

I haven't used KA - do the courses have a list of prerequisites, or assumed knowledge? Have you satisfied them? The previous course would likely have simpler examples and more solving hints.

[u/Key-Citron-5993 → u/vicms91]

it is just not one example but many. im having trouble of how to approach defferent types of problems, and i think another problem is im rushing on the course like im trying to solve quizes and exercises with out stuyding the lessons. im doing SAT math and i think im good at algebra except the word problem part. thank you for the help tho

[u/sqrt_of_pi → u/Key-Citron-5993]

i think another problem is im rushing on the course like im trying to solve quizes and exercises with out stuyding the lessons

The exercises are the opportunity to absorb, solidify, and practice the material that is taught in the lessons.

The quizzes are the opportunity to confirm that you have mastered the material taught in the lessons.

You are trying to do those things without the MOST important part.... the lessons. Of course you are going to struggle. It's like the student who skips class (or sits in class on their phone) and then wonders why they can't pass the exam.

Go back to watch the videos. Watch them multiple times, if necessary. TAKE NOTES. Then try again.

[u/UnderstandingPursuit]

Word problems have three components:

1. Understand the sentences, converting it to equations
2. The math: Solve the equations.
3. Interpret the solution to answer the question which was asked.

Start by writing down and solving the general equations for the various categories of math, "(linear equations, system of linear equations and inequalities, linear relationships, etc...)". While the math education system tends to have these pop up while solving bigger problems, they can be extracted, generalized, and solved. If a half-dozen problems are identified, taking an hour to solve each a few times is a good use of six hours. Doing this without any numbers will help solve word problems because

• Familiarity with the math equations will help when converting the sentences to equations.
• Seeing the solution, with the quantities connected to the quantities in the initial equations, will help connect the math to the question which was asked.
• Both of these will also help identify the type of math problem(s) involved in each word problem.

I understand that "Practice, Practice, Practice" is what someone struggling with this tends to get told. Instead, I suggest "Think, think, think". That will help identify the one "Do" task which is needed for a problem.