Writing Linear Equations for Word Problems

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This instructional math video features Justin guiding viewers through the process of constructing linear equations from real-world word problems. Rather than solving given equations, the focus is on the critical skill of translating a text narrative into a mathematical model using the slope-intercept form ($y = mx + b$). The video uses three distinct examples—painting a fence, training for a marathon, and climbing a mountain—to demonstrate how to extract the necessary components from a story. Key themes include identifying the y-intercept as the "initial or starting value" and calculating the slope as the "rate of change." The video explicitly covers both negative slope (decreasing values, like painting a fence) and positive slope (increasing values, like running distance or climbing height). It breaks down the formula for slope ($change in y / change in x$) within the context of the word problems, helping students see the connection between abstract formulas and concrete situations. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for bridging the gap between arithmetic reasoning and algebraic modeling. It directly addresses the common student struggle of "where do I start?" when facing word problems by providing a consistent two-step framework: find the start (y-intercept) and find the rate (slope). This systematic approach helps demystify algebraic modeling and is highly applicable for 8th-grade math standards regarding functions and high school Algebra I curricula.