How To Solve Rate Problems: A Step-By-Step Guide For Math Students

How do you solve a problem involving rates?

To solve a rate problem, use the units to keep things straight. For example, if asked: If snow is falling at the rate of one foot every four hours, how many inches of snow will fall in seven hours?Your setup would be: 1 foot/ 4 hours = x inches/ 7 hours12 inches/ 4 hours = x inches/ 7 hours 4x = 12 x 7 x = 21

To solve a problem involving rates, follow these steps:

1. Identify what you are trying to find: Before you begin solving a problem involving rates, you need to identify what you are trying to find. This will help guide you in setting up the problem.

2. Write down the formula: Once you have identified what you are trying to find, write down the formula for the rate you need to calculate. This formula may be given to you in the problem or you may need to derive it from the information given.

3. Plug in the values: Now that you have the formula, plug in the values given in the problem. Make sure to match units (e.g., time, distance, weight) so that they cancel out appropriately.

4. Solve for the unknown: Once you have plugged in all the values, solve for the unknown variable (the one you’re trying to find).

5. Check your answer: Always double-check your work to ensure that your answer makes sense and is reasonable given the context of the problem.

6. Convert units: Finally, convert your answer to the required units if necessary.

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