Word Problems Highlight the key information Assign variables to represent the unknown values Write equation to reflect the data.

Problem #1 You have two jobs. One as a lifeguard and one as a cashier. Your lifeguard job pays $8 per hour and cashier pays $6 per hour. Last week you worked a total of 14 hours between the two jobs and earned $96. How many hours did you work at each job?

Problem #1 Solution You have two jobs. One as a lifeguard and one as a cashier. Your lifeguard job pays $8 per hour and cashier pays $6 per hour. Last week you worked a total of 14 hours between the two jobs and earned $96. How many hours did you work at each job? Assign variables: L – Hours at lifeguard; C – hours at cashier Now write equations: L + C = 14 8L + 6C = 96 Solution: (6, 8)

Problem #2 During a single calendar year, a state trooper issued 375 citations for warnings and speeding violations. There were 37 more warnings than speeding violations. How many of each citation were issued?

Problem #2 Solution During a single calendar year, a state trooper issued 375 citations for warnings and speeding violations. There were 37 more warnings than speeding violations. How many of each citation were issued? Assign variables: W – # of warnings; S - # of speeding Now write equations: W + S = 375 W = S + 37 Solution: (206, 169)

Problem #3 At a pizza shop, two small pizzas, a liter of soda, and a salad cost $14; one small pizza, a liter of soda, and three salads cost $15; and three small pizzas and a liter of soda cost $16. What is the cost of each item sold separately?

Problem #3 Solution At a pizza shop, two small pizzas, a liter of soda, and a salad cost $14; one small pizza, a liter of soda, and three salads cost $15; and three small pizzas and a liter of soda cost $16. What is the cost of each item sold separately? Assign variables: P – small pizza; L – liter of soda; S- salad Now write equations: 2P + 1L + 1S = 14 1P + 1L + 3S = 15 3P + 1L = 16 Solution: (5, 1, 3)

Homework Matrix Worksheet Don’t forget, ONE wrong keypunch and you get the wrong answer!! Watch out for Negative Numbers!