Translating Word Problems

[mattnyc15]

Is there a recommended strategy or resource to check out for translating word problems?

I came across this in the MGMAT Strategy Guide:

Retailer only has radios and clocks, total of 44 items.

(1) The retailer has less than twice as many radios as clocks in inventory

The book says: R < 2C

Is this just a poorly worded question or is there a strategy I could use here?

Thank you!

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

The retailer has less than twice as many radios as clocks in inventory

If you're having problems with this one, I suggest you ignore certain parts and then gradually consider each on its own. Here's what I mean:

The retailer has twice as many radios . . .
So, the number of radios is greater than something.
In fact, the number of radios is twice some other number.
So, # of radios = 2(something)

The retailer has twice as many radios as clocks
So, # of radios = 2(# of clocks)

The retailer has less than twice as many radios as clocks in inventory
So, # of radios < 2(# of clocks)

Now replace with variables to get: r < 2c

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

If you're interested, we have a free video on translating words to equations: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat- ... /video/903

Cheers,
Brent