# How to Solve Math Word Problems

Math word problems require an understanding of the language and terms used to express mathematical terms verbally. Once students learn to identify and understand what those terms signify, half the work is done. Learn how to solve math problems with online math help, available on loads of sites like tutorvista.com, smarthinking.com, tutornext.com, to name a few. Learning how to solve math problems early is great as you will come across them in every grade. Try online math help and you will soon find that it’s the best way to learn math.

## Solve My Math Word Problem

Online tutoring makes math simple and interesting and you will soon learn how to solve math word problems using the interactive tools and whiteboard, available online. Keep track of your progress with mock tests and get exam prep help during exam time. Daily homework help is another great feature that students find extremely useful as they can solve their homework after understanding what it’s about. Use online tutors to explain and simplify math word problems for you. Online tutors work with students individually and make sure that they explain things in a way they will understand.

## Solved Examples

Question 1: 42 oranges are to be distributed among some boys and girls. If each boy is given 3 oranges, then each girl gets 6 oranges and if each boy gets 5 oranges, then each girl gets 3 oranges. Find the number of boys and girls.
Solution:
Let the number of boys be x and the number of girls be y.
Number of oranges = 42

Step 1:

The problem states:
Each boy gets 3 oranges + each girl gets 6 oranges = 42

=> 3x + 6y = 42                                   ................................(1)

Each boy gets 5 oranges + each girl gets 3 oranges = 50

=> 5x + 3y = 42                                  ..................................(2)

Step 2:
Solve (1) and (2)
Multiply equation (2) by 2 and subtract from equation (1)

=> 3x + 6y - 2(5x + 3y) = 42 - 2 * 42

=> 3x + 6y - 10x - 6y = 42 - 84

=> - 7x = - 42

Divide each side by - 7

=> y = 6

Step 3:

Put y = 6 in (1)

=> 3x + 6 * 6 = 42

=> 3x + 36 = 42

=> 3x = 42 - 36

=> 3x = 6

Divide each side by 3

=> x = 2

Hence, the number of boys is 2  and the number of girls is 6.

Question 2: Age of two boys are in the ratio 5:7. Eight years ago their ages were in the ratio 7:13. Find their present ages.
Solution:
Let the present ages of the two boys be x and y years

Step 1:
Age of two boys are in the ratio 5:7

=> $\frac{x}{y} = \frac{5}{7}$

=> 7x = 5y

or 7x - 5y  = 0                         .................................(1)

Step 2:
Eight years ago :

Ages of the two boys be x + 8 and y + 8 years

Age of two boys are in the ratio 7:13

=> $\frac{x - 8}{y - 8} = \frac{7}{13}$

=> 13(x - 8) = 7(y - 8)

=> 13x - 104 = 7y - 56

=> 13x - 7y = - 56 + 104

=> 13x - 7y = 48               ....................................(2)

Step 3:
Solve (1) and (2)

Multiply (1) by 7 and (2) by 5

=> 7( 7x - 5y  = 0 )

=> 49x - 35y = 0                  .................................... (3)

and 5(13x - 7y = 48)

=> 65x - 35y = 240               .....................................(4)

Subtract (3) from (4)

=>  65x - 35y - (49x - 35y) = 240 - 0

=> 65x - 35y - 49x + 35y = 240

=> 16x = 240

=> x = 15

Step 4:
Put x = 15 in(3)

=> 49 * 15 - 35y = 0

=> 735 - 35y = 0

=> 35y = 735

=> y = 21

Hence, the ages of two boys are, 15 years and 21 years.