Continuing with our discussion of tricky word problems, today we’re going to talk about word problems involving motion. Again, the difficulty in these questions lies in digging through the depths of confusing language to find your mathematical equation. Luckily, motion problems will tend to boil down to one simple equation:
The SAT Math section doesn’t simply test your knowledge of formulas and equations. It tests whether you know how to apply that knowledge to a given situation. That’s why the SAT Math section is loaded with all kinds of bizarre word problems. These problems are meant to confuse you, and the key to answering them is to figure out which equation you need to solve. Today, we’re going to take a look at a particularly difficult type of word problem: problems involving work.
Here’s an example of a typical SAT work problem:
Liz and Jack are writing sketches for their sketch comedy show. Liz can write a complete show in 5 hours and Jack can write a complete show in 10 hours. If they work together (and at the same pace as they would individually), how many hours will it take Liz and Jack to write a complete show?
