NAME _____________________________________________ DATE ____________________________ PERIOD _____________
6-4 Homework Practice
Algebra: Write Expressions
Define a variable. Then write each phrase as an algebraic expression.
1. nine less than a number
2. five times the number of books in the library
3. three more pancakes than his brother ate
4. two more than seven times Lynn’s age
5. 9 minutes less than Frances’ time
6. SPORTS The distance around a basketball, or circumference, is about three times the circumference of a softball.
Define a variable and write an expression to represent the circumference of a basketball.
7. PLUMBING A plumber charges $50 to visit a house plus $40 for every hour of work. Define a variable and write an
expression to represent the total cost of hiring a plumber.
8. CAMPING A camp leader figures that she needs one tent for every three campers, plus a tent for herself. Define a
variable and write an expression to represent the number of tents needed.
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NAME _____________________________________________ DATE ____________________________ PERIOD _____________
6-4 Study Guide
Algebra: Write Expressions
Steps for writing an algebraic expression:
Step 1: Describe the situation. Use only the most important words.
Step 2: Define a variable by choosing a variable to represent the unknown quantity.
Step 3: Translate your verbal model into an algebraic expression.
Example 1
Write ten cans more than Vanessa collected as an algebraic expression.
ten cans more than Vanessa collected
Step 1: Words
Vanessa
Step 2: Variable
c
Let c represent the number of cans Vanessa collected.
Step 3: Expression
c
10
The expression is c + 10.
Example 2
Tradd bought two movie tickets and one bottle of water. The water cost $2.50. Write an expression to represent the
total amount he spent.
Step 1: The tickets cost an unknown amount. Define a
variable to represent the cost of one ticket.
t
Step 2: Show the cost of two tickets, plus $2.50.
t
t
$2.50
The expression is 2t + 2.50.
Course 1 • Chapter 6 Expressions
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