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writing equations

mike mcgarry
lesson by mike mcgarry
magoosh expert
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word problems
summary
the essence of translating word problems into mathematical equations involves recognizing key verbal cues and applying algebraic operations accordingly. this skill is crucial for solving a variety of problems on the act exam.
  • verbal cues such as 'is' or 'are' indicate an equals sign in the equation.
  • expressions like '50 more than b' translate to algebraic additions (e.g., b + 50), while '50 less than b' translates to subtractions (e.g., b - 50).
  • percentages are converted into decimals for multiplication, with distinctions made between simple percentages and percent increases.
  • practice problems demonstrate the application of these translations in solving equations for specific variables.
  • the importance of writing the correct equation based on the problem's specifics is emphasized, with a promise of discussing typical equations for various topics in upcoming lessons.
chapters
00:00
translating verbal cues to mathematical equations
01:58
understanding percentages and their algebraic representations
03:16
solving practice problems
07:00
preparing for specific topics and word problems