Using Units to Interpret Word Problems
42 What!?!
Many students have a bad habit of ignoring the units in word problems and just pulling out the numbers. Don't be guilty of this! Units are extremely useful in interpreting word problems.
LEARN IT
When interpreting word problems, take note of the units of any givens as well as the units of what you are trying to find. Units can help you determine what you are looking for. For example, if you have been asked to find square footage, that's area; cubic inches, that's volume; and dollars per hour, that's a unit rate. Units also help you determine if and when you need to do a conversion. Numbers' units even give you hints about which operations to use.
Watch the Virtual GED Class video below for a complete explanation and tons of worked example problems. Refer to your GED Formula sheet and print out these example problems to follow along with the video.
PRACTICE IT
WORKED EXAMPLES
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
Challenge 1
Challenge 2
Challenge 3
Extension 1
