Word problems involving equations require translating English to mathematical form. Steps: (1) Define variables for unknowns; (2) Translate statements to equations; (3) Solve equations; (4) Interpret and verify answer. Common problem types: Age problems (Person A is 5 more than B); Distance problems (Rate × Time = Distance); Work problems (1/A + 1/B = 1/T for combined work); Number problems. Example: 'Two numbers differ by 8, product is 20. Find numbers.' Let x and x+8. Then x(x+8) = 20 → x² + 8x - 20 = 0 → x = 2 or -10. Numbers: 2 and 10 (or -10 and -2). Shortcut: Set up equations carefully; verify both solutions in original context. Exam tip: Check for extraneous solutions (e.g., negative time not valid).