When solving a word problem, what step should you always do after reading the problem, but prior to writing the equation?

What is the solution set of the quadratic inequality x^2-5< or equal to 0

50 points~ ! i have to turn this in tomarrow

Suppose you are choosing a 6-digit personal access code. this code is made up of 4 digits chosen from 1 to 9, followed by 2 letters chosen from a to z. any of these digits or letters can be repeated. find the total number of personal access codes that can be formed. 492,804 341,172 39,917,124 4,435,236