PROBLEM SOLVING

Algebraic Word Problems

Learn the reliable method for algebraic word problems, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Algebraic word problems translate relationships into expressions or equations.

Picture itFollow what happens to the unknown
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Define the unknown with a letter.
  2. Translate every stated relationship in the correct order.
  3. Solve and check the result against the original context.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

72 counters are shared equally between 6 bags. How many counters go in each bag?

  1. 72 ÷ 6 = 12 counters in each bag.
  2. Substituting the result into the original relationship checks the answer.
Answer: 12
Example 2

Noah and Eli are twins. Their sister is 4 years older than they are. The three children's ages total 31. How old is their sister?

  1. If each twin is x years old, their sister is x + 4.
  2. So 3x + 4 = 31, giving x = 9.
  3. Their sister is 9 + 4 = 13 years old.
Answer: 13 years
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Solve and check the result against the original context.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.