Can you help me understand word problems?

A good discussion of word problems and how to translate them into algebra can be found at the following sites:

• The Ask Dr. Math FAQ.

• The Ask Dr. Math Archives also contains a long list of specific word problems. If you are having trouble with a specific word problem, this is well worth a look. Chances are, a problem very similar to yours will be listed along with the method of solution.

• Purplemath - Your Algebra Resource. Contains explanations of several specific types of word problems.