Solving a word equation Read the problem carefully. Determine what is known and unknown and what question is being asked. Represent the unknown quantities in terms of a variable, e.g. x , y . Use diagrams where appropriate. Find formulae or mathematical relationships between the known and unknown values. Solve the equation for the unknown value. Verify your answer.
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Worked example 1 The sum of two numbers is 31. One of the numbers exceeds the other by 11. Find the numbers.
Solution
Exceeds means ‘is bigger than’.
✓
Worked example 2 The perimeter of a rectangular swimming pool is 152 m. Its length is 2 m more than its width. What are the length and the width of the pool?
Solution
Drawing a diagram can be helpful when answering this type of question.