MATH: Writing Let Statements for Word Problems
A let statement is a short phrase you write to restate what you are being asked to solve in a word problem. You explain what the variable(s) in your algebraic equation will represent.
Tips for writing let statements:
- Read the word problem, and then rewrite the question in the form of a statement.
- Use symbols or abbreviations to make it easier for you. (For example, instead of writing the word “number” just use the sign #.)
- The let statement does not have to be a full sentence.
- Don’t over-complicate it!
Here’s an example:
Word Problem: How old is Daniel if he was 32 years old twelve years ago?
The problem is asking us to find out Daniel’s age now, so our let statement will read:
Let x = Daniel’s current age
Now, we can solve the problem:
Finally, we write our answer in the form of a complete sentence. We can refer back to our let statement to help us write the the complete sentence:
Daniel’s current age is 44 years old.
~Ms. Morris
