# Thread: Algebra word problem help

1. ## Algebra word problem help

I really find it hard to figure out how to structure my equation when faced with a word problem. I stumble a lot.
An example im working on If Y is your before-tax income, suppose that the government takes away 1/4y-10 as taxes. What was your pre-tax income if your after-tax income is $280. So my brain tries junk like this. x * 1/4Y - 10 = 280 Which I know isnt right. So any tips on how to structure word problems so I can more easily put them in equation format? 2. ## Re: Algebra word problem help The problem suggest denoting the pre-tax income by y. Write the following: (1) pre-tax income (2) tax (in terms of y) (3) after-tax income (in terms of y) Then equate the result of (3) with 280. 3. ## Re: Algebra word problem help Originally Posted by Capnzims I really find it hard to figure out how to structure my equation when faced with a word problem. I stumble a lot. An example im working on If Y is your before-tax income, suppose that the government takes away 1/4y-10 as taxes. What was your pre-tax income if your after-tax income is$280.

So my brain tries junk like this.

x * 1/4Y - 10 = 280

Which I know isnt right. So any tips on how to structure word problems so I can more easily put them in equation format?
(before tax income) - (what the govt takes away) = after tax income

$y - \left(\frac{y}{4}-10\right) = 280$

4. ## Re: Algebra word problem help

I unfortunately dont even know how to solve that equation.

5. ## Re: Algebra word problem help

Originally Posted by Capnzims
I unfortunately dont even know how to solve that equation.
Wonder why you were given that problem then...bad teacher?