Algebraic Word Problems:
Equations:
1. The total electrical output of one nuclear facility is 200 megawatts more than that of another nuclear facility.
Let L be the output of the larger facility and S the capacity of the smaller facility. A statement above written in equation form becomes L = 200MW+ S.
2. The flow in one branch of a piping system is one-third that in the other branch.
If B is the flow within the branch with more flow, and b is the flow in the smaller branch, this statement becomes the equation b = 1/3 B.
3. A man is three times as old as his son was four years ago.
Let M = man's age and S = son's age. Then M = 3 (S-4).
4. A car travels in one hour 40 miles less than twice as far as it travels in the next hour.
Let x1 be the distance it travels the first hour and x2 the distance it travels the second then, x1 = (2) (x2) -40.