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.