Wetzel
Math 102
4.4 – Applications of Systems of Equations
Word Problems:
To Solve:
1.) Understand the problem. Organizing the given information by sketching a diagram, making a table, or just rewriting
it and know exactly what the problem is asking you to find.
2.) Derive a plan to solve the problem. This may not even require any writing.
3.) Carry your plan out. Solve the problem!
4.) Completely answer the question making sure your answer makes sense!. There may be more than one answer or
an answer may not make sense so you would cancel it out. Include any units in the answer.
I. Geometry Problems.
An oil painting is in the shape of a rectangle. The perimeter of the painting is 127.4 inches, and the length of the painting is 1.6 times the width of the painting. Find the dimensions of the painting.
II. Interest Problems.
Angela deposited a total of $5200 in two different certificates of deposit (CD’s). One CD paid 3% annual interest and the other paid 4%
annual interest. At the end of one year, she had earned $203 in interest from the two CDs. How much did Angela invest in each CD?
III. Mixture Problems.
A bartender has two liquors that are 20% and 50% alcohol respectively. She needs to mix these liquors together in such a way that she has 18 ounces of a mixture that is 30% alcohol. How much of each type of liquor does she need to mix together?
IV. Motion Problems.
A small plane can fly 240 miles with a tailwind behind it in 3 hours. Flying the same distance in to the same wind would take 4 hours. Find
the speed of the plane with no wind.