Standard Format
All of the problems in this text are presented in a standard way.
The standard format facilitates the study of the problems in any order.
Thus this site may be used as an auxiliary any introductory algebra
course. Whenever, story problems are discussed in class, the student can
match his problem to the proper section by using the
Problem List by Type
Solution and programming concepts that are required but not covered in the current
lesson can be found by referring to the
Anglish Features page.
An example of the standard format is:
PROBLEM 1.1: - Rate X Time = Wage
Jane worked a 40 hour week at $4.50 an hour. How much was her wage?
ANALYSIS: The problem asks for a wage and specifies a rate and a duration, so the formula
rate x time = wage
from Table 1.1 is appropriate. All that is necessary to solve this equation is to switch the sides of the equation.
CHART: (organize the facts into chart form.)
rate X time = wage
4.50 40 w
SOLUTION:
Step 1: Write the equation from the chart.
4.50 X 40 = w
Step 2: Solve the equation symbolically (Perform each step in the solution of the equation, but do not carry out the arithmetic computations).
4.50 X 40 = w
w = 4.50 X 40 Step 3: Replace the numbers by their names from the chart. wage = rate X time PROGRAM:
Step 1: Type: edit prob1p1.ace
Step 2: Enter the program (the problem name, the chart, the solution, and END.).
Calculate wage:
----------------------
| rate X time = wage |
----------------------
| 4.50 | 40 | w |
----------------------
wage = rate X time;
END.
Step 3: Exit the editor (type alt f, s to save, then alt f, x to exit).
Run the program - type:
ace prob1p1
EXERCISE: Joan worked a 38 hour week at $5.10 an hour. How much was her wage?
As the standard format shows, the examples in this text are quite detailed. In many situations the student will be able to generate the answer mentally without going through all of the steps shown. However, it is important to realize that a computer program must specify every step of a solution. Computers do precisely what they are programmed to do. They can not calculate in their heads or infer the obvious. Therefore by listing all of the details, we are assured that the program is correct. In addition, the details provide documentation as to the function and purpose of the program for those who are not as intelligent as we.