Basic Steps to Solving Word Problems (for this class)

1. Draw a picture, and identifying paths that sounds travel
2. Name the distances and times for each path. Use different variables for each path (unless you are sure that they are the same).
3. Equations: length combinations, time combinations, and speed formulas
4. Then, the math.
   1. Eliminate undesired unknowns by substitution.
   2. Solve for the desired unknown.
   3. Along the way, check every so often the physical interpretation of your equations (if you can)

Substitute in numbers whenever you want…

• Benefit: sometimes can combine several numbers into one, making algebra easier
• Downside: can loose track of what the numbers mean.