Solving Word Problems with Systems of Equations pt 2

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Taught by YourMathGal
  • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
7074 views | 1 rating
Part of video series
Meets NCTM Standards:
Lesson Summary:

In this lesson, we learn how to solve word problems using systems of equations. We focus on problems that involve planes flying against or with the wind, and we use a chart to keep track of the information. We define the rate of the plane in calm air and the rate of the wind as two variables, and we use the formula rate times time equals distance to create two equations. We then solve for the variables using the addition or subtraction method and check our answers to ensure they make sense.

Lesson Description:

Solving word problems using systems of equations.

More free YouTube videos by Julie Harland are organized at http://yourmathgal.com

Questions answered by this video:
  • 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 plane flying against the wind flies 270 miles in 3 hours and flying with the wind it travels 260 miles in 2 hours, how do you find the rate of the plane in calm air and the rate of the wind?
  • How do you solve a word problem about a plane traveling with the wind and against the wind?
  • How do you solve the system of equations 3(P - W) = 270 and 2(P + W) = 260?
  • Is there an easy way to find the rate of a plane and the rate of the wind when a plane travels with the wind and against the wind?
  • Staff Review

    • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
    This is a very common word problem about a plane traveling with the wind and then returning against the wind. A system of equations must be written and solved to find the rate of the plane and of the wind. All steps are explained very well, and the solution method is really elegant and makes this type of problem seem much easier.