Pre-algebra
Skill-Builder # T – 4
Translating English to Algebra: Division
Some English words/phrases that translate to the division operation are:
divided by
quotient
ratio
reciprocal
In the following we will use x to denote a number. If there are two or three, we will use y and z.
Examples Translate the given English phrase to an algebraic expression.
1) The quotient of a number and 2
Translation:
Translation:
The quotient of a
number
and 2.
÷ or
2) 28 divided by a number
28 divided by a
number
÷ or
x
or
or
x
Thus the phrase translates to
Thus the phrase translates to
28
or 28 x .
x
28 ÷ x or
x
x ÷ 12 or
or x 12 .
12
3) The ratio of a number and 20
4) The reciprocal of a number
Translation:
Translation:
The ratio
number
of a
and 20
x
Thus the phrase translates to
x
.
20
The reciprocal of a
number
1
Thus the phrase translates to
1
.
x
x
Pre-algebra
Skill-Builder # T – 4
Translating English to Algebra: Division
Translate the given English phrase to an algebraic expression.
1) A number divided by 25
2) 16 divided by a number
3) The quotient of a number and 4
4) The quotient of 4 and a number
5) The ratio of a number and 72
6) The ratio of 72 and a number
7) The reciprocal of a number
8) The ratio of two numbers
9) The quotient of two numbers
10) A number divided by a second number
Pre-algebra
Skill-Builder # T – 4
Translating English to Algebra: Division
Answer Key:
1)
x
25
2)
16
x
3)
x
4
4)
4
x
5)
x
72
6)
72
x
7)
1
x
8)
x
y
10)
x
y
9)
x
y
Prepared by: Dr. Teresa V. Sutcliffe
Summer 2010