[lisaly]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

A) Why??? It's a headache and a half!
B) This is pretty close to college algebra level. I don't understand how young teenagers can do it.

Unfortunately, they are doing this now starting at seventh grade, and in New York State students in eighth or ninth grade have to solve problems like this on an Algebra Regents. The test has a great many word problems, as well. It causes a lot of frustration for students who struggle in math.