Algebra: Symbol Word Problems

Symbol Problems are word problems that use symbols to represent a certain group of operations.
The question will always tell you what the symbols means. Read the question carefully and then plug in the numbers.

General Strategies:

1. Understand the Symbols: Carefully examine what each symbol represents. It might be a number, an operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), or a combination of both.
2. Look for Patterns: Often, there’s a pattern or rule that connects the symbols. Try to identify this rule.
3. Substitute and Solve: Once you understand the symbols and the pattern, substitute the given values and solve for the unknown.
4. Check Your Answer: Make sure your solution fits the pattern and makes sense in the context of the problem.

Example 1:

What is the value of

Solution:

Step 1: Plug in

Step 2: Plug in x = 4

Step 3: Add the two

Answer:

Example 2:

If , what is the value of k?

Solution:

Step 1: Plug in x = 4 and y = 5

Step 2: Plug in x = k and y = 10

Step 3: Equate the two

Cross Multiply

Answer: 8

Symbols and Funky Functions
Some SAT questions use some really weird symbols to describe a function.

SAT Math Tutorial - Functions with Weird Symbols

Check out many other Algebra Word Problems
Age Word Problems, Average Word Problems, Coin Word Problems, Consecutive Integer Word Problems, Digit Word Problems, Distance Word Problems, Fraction Word Problems, Geometry Word Problems, Integer Word Problems, Interest Word Problems, Lever Word Problems, Mixture Word Problems, Money Word Problems, Motion & Distance Word Problems, Number Sequence Word Problems, Proportion Word Problems, Quadratic Equation Word Problems, Ratio Word Problems, Symbol Word Problems, Variation Word Problems, Work Word Problems.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

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