Solving Word Problems with Systems of Equations pt 1

In this lesson, we learn how to solve word problems using systems of equations. For example, we look at a rental car company that charges a flat daily fee plus a per mile charge. By setting up two variables for the daily fee and per mile charge, we can use algebra to solve for these values. With careful calculations and using the addition method, we can find that the daily fee is $23 and the per mile charge is 21 cents. This lesson is a helpful guide for tackling complex word problems using systems of equations.

Solving word problems using systems of equations.

• How do you solve a word problem using systems of equations?
• How do you set up a system of equations from a word problem?
• How do you check your answer to a system of equations word problem?
• If a rental car company charges a flat daily fee plus a charge for each mile driven, a car rented for 5 days and driven for 300 miles costs $178 and a car rented for 4 days and driven for 500 miles costs $197, how can you find the daily fee and mileage charge?
• How do you solve the system of equations 5D + 300M = 178 and 4D + 500M = 197?