Algebraic word problems are a cornerstone of the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section. They test your ability to translate real-world scenarios into mathematical equations and solve them. This module will equip you with strategies to confidently tackle these problems.

The key to solving word problems lies in a systematic approach. It's not just about knowing algebra; it's about understanding the narrative and converting it into a solvable mathematical structure. We'll break this down into actionable steps.

GRE word problems often fall into recurring categories. Recognizing these patterns can significantly speed up your problem-solving process.

Problems involving movement are very common. The fundamental formula is Distance = Rate × Time (d=rt). Remember that rates can be additive (if moving towards each other) or subtractive (if one is catching up to another).

In work problems, we often deal with individuals or groups completing a task. The key is to think in terms of 'rates of work.' If someone can complete a job in 'x' hours, their rate of work is 1/x of the job per hour. When multiple entities work together, their rates add up.

Beyond understanding the types, specific strategies can enhance your performance on GRE word problems.

Draw diagrams or create tables. Visualizing the problem can often clarify relationships and make it easier to set up equations. For example, a timeline can be helpful for age problems, and a table can organize information for mixture problems.

Check your answer. Once you have a solution, plug it back into the original problem statement or equations to ensure it makes sense and satisfies all conditions. This is a crucial step to catch errors.

Consistent practice with a variety of word problems is essential. Focus on understanding the underlying logic rather than memorizing formulas. The more you practice, the more intuitive translating words into math will become.