1. The problem is to solve word equations, which means translating words into algebraic expressions or equations and then solving them. 2. The general approach is to identify variables representing unknown quantities, write equations based on the relationships described in words, and then solve those equations using algebraic methods. 3. Important rules include understanding keywords like "sum" means addition, "difference" means subtraction, "product" means multiplication, and "quotient" means division. 4. For example, if the problem states "The sum of a number and 5 is 12," we let the number be $x$ and write the equation $x + 5 = 12$. 5. Then solve for $x$ by subtracting 5 from both sides: $$x = 12 - 5$$ 6. Simplify to get the solution: $$x = 7$$ 7. This method applies to any word equation: translate words to math, write the equation, and solve step-by-step.