Translating Words to Algebraic Expressions Explained!
1) Video---- https://youtu.be/QEnFIgN8UBw
2) KHAN ACADEMY: BASIC ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS WITH WORD PROBLEMS
Math 6th grade Variables & expressions Writing basic algebraic expressions word
problems
3) Translating Algebra Expressions
You've learned how to work with variables and how to evaluate algebra expressions, now
we are going to translate words into algebraic expressions.
This skill will come in handy when working with word problems or real life situations. Pay
close attention to the "key words" that represent mathematical operations.
You are probably very used to translating words into numerical expressions. Think about
this...
We are used to seeing the words, plus, sum, difference, minus, product ...
The good news is that these very same words that we use to write numerical expressions
are going to be used to write algebra expressions. The difference between a numerical
expression and an algebra expression is that we will be using variables when writing an
algebraic expression. Instead of "8 plus 9" (with two given numbers), you would see, "a
number plus 9".
We don't know exactly "what number", so we would use a variable to indicate that it can
be any number. Key words for each operation are indicated in bold. This will help you to
easily translate the expression.
Algebraic Expressions and Key Words for Addition
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As, you can see from the red, bold words, the key words for addition are: sum, more than,
plus, increase, add, older than.
Please also remember that addition is commutative; therefore, you can reverse the digits and
you will end up with the same answer. Now, let's take a look at the key words for
subtraction.
Algebraic Expressions and Key Words for Subtraction
Our key words for subtraction are: minus, less, subtract, decrease, younger than, and
lowered. Remember that subtraction is not commutative, so the order in which write the
digits does matter! Now we'll take a look at key words for multiplication word problems.
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Algebraic Expressions and Key Words for Multiplication
The key words for multiplication are: times, product, twice, doubled, multiplied, and of.
Of is the tricky word. This is mostly used when you are multiplying a fraction times a
number. For example 1/2 of a number means 1/2 times a number. Think of "of"
meaning to multiply when you are working with fractions. The last operation that we
will study is division. Division is not commutative, so you must pay close attention to
the order in which you write the expression.
Algebraic Expressions and Key Words for Division
Division is much more simple. The key words are: divided by and divided into. Play close
attention to the order in which it is written. Quotient is also a key word for division. A
quotient is the answer to a division problem. As you begin to work with algebraic
expressions more, you will see word problems that require you to use more than one
operation. Take a look at these few examples:
Expressions with More Than One Operation
Many people struggle with translating word problems into algebraic expressions. This is a
very brief lesson on simple algebraic expressions. One of the most important things to
remember is to look for key words and to make sure that your expression matches the
context of the word problem. This is most important for operations that are not
commutative, such as subtraction and division.
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