Tackling Word Problems

Tackling Word Problems

The SAT loves to bury a very simple math equation inside a confusing, 6-line paragraph about someone named Jamal buying pens and pencils.

Your job is to act as an un-weaver.

Step 1: Read the Final Sentence First

Don't start reading from the beginning. Look at the very last sentence or the actual question block. What are they asking you to find?

• "What is the value of $x$?"
• "How many pencils did Jamal buy?"
• "What is the total cost?"

Now you know exactly what your target is before you even read the setup.

Step 2: Underline the Math, Ignore the Fluff

Go through the paragraph and underline every number and every mathematical keyword. Ignore the names, the places, the storyline.

• "Jamal buys p pens for $2 each and number of pencils that is 3 more than the number of pens for $1 each. The total cost is $15."

Step 3: Build the Equation

Translate those underlined fragments directly into algebra.

• Pens cost: $2p$
• Pencils amount: $p + 3$
• Pencils cost: $1(p + 3)$
• Total ($=$): $15$

Equation: $2p + 1(p + 3) = 15$ $3p + 3 = 15 \Rightarrow 3p = 12 \Rightarrow p = 4$.

If the question asked for the number of pencils, the answer is $p + 3 = 7$. (Always re-read what they asked for in Step 1!)