Algebraic Translation

[HenryL545]

Question about how to interpret algebraic translation problems - when translating a problem, should I write down each equation sentence by sentence, stopping intermittently, or should I give the problem a full read first, process the problem, then write down equations?

I found myself with a problem where there were three pieces of information where the first and third piece related to one another, but it was beneficial to write down the second piece of information in an equation first, before writing down the first and third.

What is ideal?

[Sage Pearce-Higgins]

Flexibility is the best solution here! I'm afraid that there's no formula to follow (if there were, then GMAT would be a lot easier). With experience you'll be able to tell what's best for each problem. However, keep a check on the different ways, compare problems, try out different strategies, and learn from your mistakes.

For me, translation means a whole load of different things. Sometimes, if there's lots of information, I need simply to organize the data I'm given, such as in PS 60, for others I'll immediately use smart numbers, such as PS 81, in others I'll try to make an equation, such as PS 44, and for others I'll plug in answer choices, such as PS 100 (all questions from OG 2017). Try out these questions and see if you can find clues for each strategy.

[HenryL545]

Flexibility is the best solution here! I'm afraid that there's no formula to follow (if there were, then GMAT would be a lot easier). With experience you'll be able to tell what's best for each problem. However, keep a check on the different ways, compare problems, try out different strategies, and learn from your mistakes.

For me, translation means a whole load of different things. Sometimes, if there's lots of information, I need simply to organize the data I'm given, such as in PS 60, for others I'll immediately use smart numbers, such as PS 81, in others I'll try to make an equation, such as PS 44, and for others I'll plug in answer choices, such as PS 100 (all questions from OG 2017). Try out these questions and see if you can find clues for each strategy.

Do you have the equivalent problem numbers for the OG2015 (version that I have)? Thank you!

[Sage Pearce-Higgins]

Apologies for the delay here. I don't have a table of equivalent problem numbers. Given the cost of the GMAT exam itself, the potential importance of your test, and the fact that the 2017 guide has 25% new material, I'd strongly recommend that you purchase yourself a copy for around $30.

[JTW823]

Hey!

I was wondering if there were any strategies/tips for translating words problems? I seem to be struggling with translating words into equations which is sucking up a ton of time.

I'am able to do the math once I understand what the Q is asking, but it's the initial part that i'm having trouble with.

Any insights on translating?

[Sage Pearce-Higgins]

I assume you've checked out the chapter in Foundations of Math on Word Problems, and the Word Problems strategy guide chapter on Translation. There are also the Foundations of Math online drills.

There are several other points to make here. First, be specific in your learning. If you make a mistake, correct yourself by making a flashcard. For example, "x percent of y is 200" can be translated as "(x / 100)y = 200". This is a pretty mechanical equivalence of words into symbols. Make double-sided flashcards to remember these nuggets of information.

Second, it may be that you don't need to translate every question into algebra. Word Problems are designed to be confusing, and often it's the understanding that's the main challenge (not some extra step). However, you can understand a problem and solve it without translating it into algebra; you can use something like backsolving, estimation, etc. Look at the Problem Set in the Foundations of Math chapter I mentioned above and try out some of these problems without using algebra.

Finally, using your scratch paper to help you understand a problem is a skill that takes a bit of careful cultivation. Finding ways to organize the information in a problem and make it easier for you to understand and solve requires some practice. Take a look at the OG problems I mentioned in an earlier post in this thread.