Algebra, averages & word problems · Topic 10 of 15

Everyday Word Problems

Tap any line to see why it matters

Math · word problems

Read for what is asked, name the unknown, translate the key words into an equation, solve, then check the answer makes sense.

01 · The methodRead, name it, translate, solve, check

02 · Clue wordssum / more than = + less than = −

03 · Check itCheck: right question, right unit, sensible

Read → name the unknown → translate → solve → check

Check: is it what was asked, in the right unit, a sensible size?

Multi-step: solve one piece at a time, label each result

Spot the method: percent → percent equation; "per" → proportion

+ words: sum, total, more than. − words: difference, less than must know

× words: product, times, twice, of. ÷ words: quotient, divided by must know

Number × value of one = total value; add each kind (12 × $0.25 = $3.00)

Mixture price = total cost ÷ total amount

3 × $2.75 + $1.40 = $9.65; change from $20 = $10.35

"5 more than 3 times n is 26": 3n + 5 = 26 → n = 7

3 lb × $8 + 5 lb × $4 = $44 for 8 lb → $5.50/lb

Commonly confused

	More than	Less than
Operation	Add	Subtract
"4 ___ than x"	x + 4	x − 4
Order matters?	No (addition can swap)	Yes: take it away from the second number
Common error	None: x + 4 = 4 + x	Writing 4 − x

"5 less than x" = x − 5, not 5 − x

Answer the actual question (the change, not the total)

Put everything in one unit before you add or compare

Show 2 more facts

Use a table: type | number | value | total

Answer in a sentence with the unit

Pearl

"Less than" flips the order: 5 less than x is x − 5.

Practice this topic, then test the whole section.

HESI and HESI A2 are registered trademarks of Elsevier. NurseSavvy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Elsevier.