Section 3.6: Problem Solving with Algebra Essential Ideas Procedure for Problem Solving Read the problem. Note what it is all about. Focus on process rather than numbers. You can't work a problem you don't understand. Restate the problem. Write a verbal description of the problem using operations signs and an equal sign. Look for equality. If you can't find equal quantities, you will never formulate an equation. Choose a variable. If there is a single unknown, choose a variable. Substitute. Replace the verbal phrases by known numbers and by the variable. Solve the equation. This is the easy step. Be sure your answer makes sense by checking it with the original question in the problem. Use estimation to eliminate unreasonable answers. State the answer. There were no variables defined when you started, so x = 3 is not an answer. Pay attention to units of measure and other details of the problem. Remember to answer the question that was asked.