PreCalculus I

1.6 – Modeling with Equations

Video 1 of 4: Investment and Mixture Problems

Video 2 of 4: Work & Time Problems

Video 3 of 4: Proportion Problems

Cideo 4 of 4: Distance/Rate/Time Problems

Section Notes

Modeling with Equations

$\begin{array}{c p{16cm}} 1. & \textbf{Understand} - Take a moment to read completely through the problem. Understand what it is that the problem is asking. \\ 2. & \textbf{Identify the variable} - Identify the unknown value, and introduce notation for the unknown (often times calling it x) \\ 3. & \textbf{Translate the problem} - Create an algebraic equation or a system of equations using the variable. Sometimes drawing a picture or creating a table can assist in this step. \\ 4. & \textbf{Solve} - solve the equation \\ 5. & \textbf{Translate back} - Express the solution to the model in terms of the original problem \end{array}$