How can an algebraic expression help in problem solving? - Answers

Well, if it doesn't help, then people have been just fooling around doing algebra for about 3 thousand years ... You can often solve without algebra: If apples cost $5/kilo, and about 8 apples weigh a kilo, how many apples can you buy for $7? Answer: 7/5 = 1.4 kg; 1.4*8 = 11.2 apples. Answer: about 11. For more complicated problems (some of which can seem ridiculously artificial), the best way to get the answer is to write an equation: One ship leaves New York for Lisbon at 20km/h and another ship leaves Lisbon a day later for New York, going 25km/h. If the distance is 5400 km, when will they pass each other in mid-Atlantic? While it is possible to figure this out without writing and solving an equation, after you become comfortable with algebra and solving equations it is much easier that way.