Application: Word Problems
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Understanding Word Problems
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Welcome everyone! Today, we will learn how to translate word problems into simultaneous equations. Can anyone tell me what a word problem is?
It's a math problem presented in a real-life context!
Exactly, Student_1! In these problems, we need to identify the variables. For example, if we see a cinema ticket problem, what variables could we define?
We could say 'x' is the cost of a child ticket, and 'y' is the cost of an adult ticket.
Great! Now that we have our variables, we can start forming equations based on the information provided in the problem. Think of equations as a way to express relationships—like how many children and adults are present.
So if 5 children and 3 adults total $84, we can write that as 5x + 3y = 84?
That's correct, Student_3! We will repeat this process for any information we have. Great job!
Setting Up Simultaneous Equations
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Now let’s practice setting up the equations. If we say that 2 children and 5 adults cost $86, how would that help us?
We can write another equation: 2x + 5y = 86.
Exactly! So now we have two equations: 5x + 3y = 84 and 2x + 5y = 86. What is our next step?
We can solve them using either substitution or elimination.
That's right! Let's use elimination method here to find the values of x and y.
Solving the Equations
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Now, using elimination, what should we do first?
We can try multiplying the first equation by 5 and the second equation by 3 to align the coefficients.
Nice thinking! Let’s do that. What do we get?
We have 25x + 15y = 420 and 6x + 15y = 258.
Correct! Now what happens when we subtract these equations?
We get 19x = 162, which gives us x = 8.53.
Well done! And now to find y?
We can plug x = 8.53 back into either equation we started with.
Interpreting Solutions
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Fantastic! Now we have our values for x and y. What does this mean for the cost of a child and adult ticket?
It means we can say that a child ticket costs $8.53.
What about the adult ticket?
Once we solve for y, we’ll have the adult ticket price!
Exactly! This is how we interpret the results of our solved equations. Always remember, these values are practical and useful!
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The Application: Word Problems section demonstrates how to translate practical situations into simultaneous equations and solve them using various methods. Students will learn to set up equations from contextual information and apply algebraic techniques to find solutions.
Detailed
In this section, we explore the application of simultaneous equations in real-life problem-solving scenarios, particularly through word problems. The focus is to convert descriptive situations into equations that can be solved collectively. We provide a systematic approach to setting up these equations based on given information and details, illustrated with examples like calculating ticket prices based on attendance. To deepen understanding, we will also utilize the elimination and substitution methods to derive solutions, emphasizing the relevance of these equations in practical applications. This exercise not only reinforces algebraic skills but also illustrates the importance of mathematical reasoning in everyday decision-making.
Audio Book
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Introduction to Word Problems
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
Convert real-life situations into equations.
Detailed Explanation
In this chunk, we learn how to translate real-life scenarios into mathematical equations, specifically for simultaneous equations. This means we take information from a situation, like the prices of tickets or quantities, and create equations that capture those details. Understanding how to express real situations as mathematical equations is a key skill in algebra, as it allows us to solve practical problems more effectively.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're planning a party and need to figure out the total cost of snacks. You find out that chips cost $3 per bag and drinks are $2 each. If you buy 4 bags of chips and 6 drinks, you want to know how much money you'll spend in total. By creating an equation based on the prices and quantities, you can calculate the total cost efficiently.
Setting Up Equations
Chapter 2 of 5
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Chapter Content
Example: A cinema charges $8 for a child and $12 for an adult. If 5 children and 3 adults together cost $84, and 2 children and 5 adults cost $86, find the price of each ticket.
Detailed Explanation
Here, we are given specific prices and quantities related to children's and adults' cinema tickets. The information is formatted into two equations: the first equation represents the total cost of 5 children and 3 adults, while the second represents the total cost of 2 children and 5 adults. By setting up these equations, we prepare to solve the problem systematically using either substitution or elimination methods.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this situation like a local market where you want to buy fruits. You know that apples are $2 each and bananas are $1 each. If you buy 3 apples and 2 bananas, the total cost should be $10 for the first scenario. The second scenario could be if you buy 1 apple and 4 bananas for a total of $8. This setup helps you figure out how much each fruit costs based on your purchases.
Solving the Equations
Chapter 3 of 5
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Chapter Content
Let x = cost of child ticket, y = cost of adult ticket. Equations: 5x + 3y = 84, 2x + 5y = 86. Solve using elimination or substitution.
Detailed Explanation
In this step, we define our variables: x for the cost of a child ticket and y for the cost of an adult ticket. The two equations we formed from the earlier situation are ready to be manipulated and solved for x and y. Using methods like elimination (where we align and subtract equations) or substitution (replacing one variable with the other) allows us to isolate and solve for the ticket prices.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you have a puzzle to complete, where each piece represents an equation. To solve it, you need to find how the pieces fit together. By substituting one piece for another in your calculations (like substituting values), you can start seeing the bigger picture—the price of the tickets—and successfully complete your puzzle.
Final Calculation and Results
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
Multiply first by 5, second by 3: 25x + 15y = 420, 6x + 15y = 258. Subtract: 19x = 162 ⇒ x = 8.53. Then find y.
Detailed Explanation
After setting up our equations, we manipulate them by multiplying to align the coefficients of y, which simplifies the subtraction process. Once we compute the value of x, we backtrack to find the value of y. This systematic approach of solving and substituting helps ensure we have accurate results for each ticket's price.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine baking cookies, where you need to adjust the amount of flour (x) and sugar (y) based on your recipe. By substituting values and adjusting quantities, you can perfectly balance your ingredients to end up with delicious cookies, just as we adjust our equations to find the right prices.
Conclusion of the Word Problem
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
Answer: Child = $8.53, solve for Adult.
Detailed Explanation
In the conclusion, we summarize the solution—finding the cost of each ticket. This step reinforces the importance of checking our work and ensuring that both equations satisfy our final values for x and y. Understanding how to interpret our results is crucial when applying these concepts to real-world situations.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this like finalizing your budget after shopping. After calculating the cost of items in your cart, you want to ensure everything matches your budget. By reviewing each item’s price, just like we check each variable in our equations, you can be confident that your financial plan is accurate.
Key Concepts
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Simultaneous Equations: Equations that have shared variables.
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Child and Adult Tickets: Variables to represent costs in a word problem.
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Methods of Solving: Different strategies like elimination and substitution to find solutions.
Examples & Applications
Example 1: A cinema charges $8 for a child and $12 for an adult. Writing the equations based on attendance numbers.
Example 2: Setting up and solving equations for pens and pencils in a shop based on given costs.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
For every word problem you write, make the equations just right. Solve for x, find y too, the answer’s waiting there for you!
Stories
Imagine two friends at a cinema, they need to figure out how to share costs for tickets. Friend A buys for children while Friend B gets adult tickets. By laying out their purchases as equations, they discover the perfect way to split the bill. This story highlights how real-life scenarios turn into simultaneous equations!
Memory Tools
To set up equations, remember: 'VARS' - Variables, Align, Relationships, Solve.
Acronyms
Solve using 'SES' - Set up, Eliminate/Substitute, Solutions.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Simultaneous Equations
A set of equations with multiple variables solved together.
- Child Ticket
A ticket intended specifically for children, priced accordingly.
- Adult Ticket
A ticket intended for adults, typically priced higher than child tickets.
- Elimination Method
A method of solving simultaneous equations by eliminating one variable.
- Substitution Method
A technique for solving equations by substituting one variable with another.
Reference links
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