Page 11 - MarceAlgebra Demystified

x PREFACE

Even those who find algebra easy are stumped by word problems (also
called ‘‘applications’’). In this book, word problems are treated very care-
fully. Two important skills needed to solve word problems are discussed
earlier than the word problems themselves. First, you will learn how to
find quantitative relationships in word problems and how to represent
them using variables. Second, you will learn how to represent multiple quan-
tities using only one variable.
Most application problems come in ‘‘families’’—distance problems, work
problems, mixture problems, coin problems, and geometry problems, to
name a few. As in the rest of the book, exactly one topic is covered in
each section. If you take one section at a time and really make sure you
understand why the steps work, you will find yourself able to solve a great
many applied problems—even those not covered in this book.
Good luck.

RHONDA HUETTENMUELLER