System word problems often look confusing but when you break them down, they get easier.

You need to read the problem 3 times, the first time just read the whole thing. The second time, circle what you think could be clues. The third time you try and solve it.

To find where an equal sign may be, you look for verbs. Common ones are “is” or “was”.

If you have the word “than” you flip anything on that side of the equation (x is 5 less than 6 -> x=6-5)

Make sure you clarify what each variable means (X= larger number, Y=smaller number/ q= # of quarters, d=# of dimes)