Using Systems of Equations to Solve Word Problems

The Organic Chemistry Tutor

This educational video provides a clear, step-by-step tutorial on solving algebraic word problems using systems of linear equations. The narrator presents a scenario involving the cost of apples and bananas to demonstrate how real-world data can be translated into mathematical variables and equations. The video specifically focuses on the "Elimination Method," a fundamental algebraic technique used to solve for multiple unknown variables simultaneously. The content covers key algebraic concepts including defining variables, writing linear equations from text, finding common multiples to eliminate variables, solving for unknowns, and substituting values back into equations. Crucially, the video devotes significant time to verifying the solution—a best practice in mathematics—before using the found values to answer the final question posed by the problem. It serves as an excellent model for procedural fluency and logical checking. For educators, this video is a valuable resource for Algebra I classrooms. It bridges the gap between abstract calculation and application by framing algebra as a tool for solving practical problems. Teachers can use this video to introduce the elimination method, reinforce the importance of checking work, or help students struggling with translating word problems into solvable equations.