Problem-Solving-With-Equations Wjec-Eduqas Higher

Equations & problem-solving

What is problem solving?

• Problem solving means you are given a specific situation (real life or constructed) and you need to form and solve equations to find answers to the questions asked

• The equations can be any type that are in the course, including

  • Linear, e.g.

  • Quadratic, e.g.

• Answers must always be given in context

  • This means related to the situation using words, phrases and units from the question

    • For example, “The population density is 225 people per square km” (not just )

What type of algebra can come up in a problem solving question?

• Many questions will require you to solve quadratic equations

  • You need to be able to spot these

    • This may require bringing all the terms to one side to get “= 0”

  • You are often free to choose which quadratic method to use to solve them

  • If you get two solutions, you may need to justify which solution is correct

• You may be asked to use algebra in other settings such as geometry or numbers

  • % is as a decimal

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