SAT-Style: Solving for x in Word Problems

SAT Math · Axiom Academy

SAT-Style: Solving Word Problems A 4-step method for translating and solving This method works for almost every SAT word problem involving equations. Smartphone costs 50 MORE than tablet Worked Example 2: Rate Problem Going in the same direction (or different—let's say same) Find: time until 27 miles apart Worked Example 3: Percentage Problem "Is" or "was" → Use equals sign (=) "More/less than" → Addition/subtraction (±) "Percent" or "%" → Divide by 100 or multiply by decimal "Rate × Time = Total" → Common formula "Together" or "combined" → Add all quantities Define variables clearly: "Let x = ..." always. Be specific about units. Underline key numbers: This forces you to read carefully. Check reasonableness: If you get a negative number for quantity or a huge answer, verify. Draw a diagram: For distance/geometry problems, sketching helps tremendously. Use simple variables: x is simpler than "let z equal the number of apples."

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full SAT Math course.