How To Improve On Word Problems For the CSET Test

The best way to improve on your ability to solve word problems on the CSET test is to get plenty of practice solving them.

This word problem is for Lan who recently commented that he wished there were more CSET practice word problems on this website. I bet that if Lan is wishing there were more CSET articles dealing with age problems, that many of you are wishing the same thing.

We all have the same fears and challenges regarding the CSET because we are all human. There is a feeling that we are experiencing something unique but in reality we all have much more in common than we think. Word problems are challenging for everyone. It’s how we deal with these fears that measures how successful we are at overcoming them. Know that you are not alone.

As I wrote earlier, there is a good chance that you will see word problems that relate to age on the CSET Multiple Subjects Subtest II test.

The biggest challenge of word problems is how to assign the variables of the problem. Once the variables are assigned correctly the actual math involved in solving the word problem is quite easy.

The following problem is taken from ACE the CSET Study Guide.

Problem:

In three more years, Hailie’s grandfather will be six times as old as Hailie was last year. When Hailie’s present age is added to her grandfather’s present age, the total is 68. How old is each one now?

Solution:

Let Hailie’s present age be “H”; let her grandfather’s age be “G”. Then H + G = 68. Hailie’s age “last year” was H - 1. Her grandfather’s age “in three more years” will be G + 3. Her grandfather’s age three years from now is six times Hailie’s age last year: G + 3 = 6(H - 1).