Word Problems and Real-World Applications

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Last updated: 8/16/2025

Key Concepts:

  • To translate word problems into equations, identify the variables and the relation between them.
  • The slope represents the rate of change (like speed or cost per item).
  • The y-intercept often represents a starting value (e.g., initial deposit in a bank account).
  • Linear functions model real-world relationships such as pricing, uniform motion, and temperature changes, which are often related to linear graphs.

Skills Covered:

  • Writing a linear equation and solving for unknowns from a word problem.
  • Interpreting the meaning of slope and intercept in real-world contexts.
  • Interpreting relationships in word problems through graphs.

Example Problems:

  • A store sells two types of fruit. Apples cost $2 each, and oranges cost $3 each. If a customer spends $18 and buys 7 fruits, how many of each did they buy?
  • A runner jogs for x miles at 5 mph and then runs for y miles at 8 mph, covering a total of 13 miles. Write an equation for the situation.
  • A gym charges $30 per month plus a $50 sign-up fee. Calculate the total cost after x months.
  • The temperature T in Fahrenheit is given by (T = 1.8K - 459.67), where (K) is Kelvin. How much does the Fahrenheit temperature increase if Kelvin increases by 50?

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