Writing Expressions
Name:__________________________________________ Date:____________________
Translate each verbal phrase into a math expression.
1. Seven decreased by 3 times some number
2. Sum of a number squared and twice the number
3. Quotient of a number j and 24
4. 10 less than twice a number w
5. 4 times the sum of 3 and x
6. Twice the difference of p and 10
7. One-half the quantity of e and 6
Write a math expression for each situation.
8. Lilly balanced her checkbook and had an ending balance of $560.09. She then went
shopping and purchased $100.75 total in groceries.
9. Tony purchased a new pair of pants at the mall for $45.99. He then went and bought
new shoes for $76.87.
10. Joni gets paid $7.35 per hour for working at a fast food restaurant. Write an expression
for how much she gets paid for working h hours.
11. A mechanic charges $45 per hour and parts cost $125. Write an expression for the total
if the mechanic works h hours.
12. Write an expression to find the perimeter of a rectangle with a length of 8 mm and
width of x mm.
8
x
13. Is the expression 4 + x the same as x + 4? Explain
14. Is the expression 4 – x the same as x – 4? Explain
15. To find the perimeter of a rectangle, add the length (l) and width (w) and double the
sum.
a. Write an expression for the perimeter of a rectangle.
b. Use the expression to find the perimeter of a rectangle with a length 20 inches
and a width of 45 inches.
Write an English sentence for each expression but do not use add,
subtract, multiply, divide, sum, product or quotient.
Example: x – 2
Answer: the difference of a number and 2
16. x + 5
17. 6x
18. ⅓ (y)
KEY:
1. 7-3x
2. X2 +2x
3. j/24
4. 2w - 10 (discuss order)
5. 4(3 + x) (discuss why parenthesis are needed)
6. 2(p – 10) (discuss why parenthesis are needed)
7. ½(e + 6) (discuss why parenthesis are needed)
8. $560.09 - $100.75
9. $45.00 + $76.87
10. $7.35h
11. 45h + 125
12. x + 8 + x + 8 (discuss other possible answers, such as 2x + 2(8))
13. Yes, commutative property of addition
14. No, commutative property does not apply to subtraction
15. a. (l + w) * 2
b. 130 inches
Sample Answers
16. The joining of a number and 5
17. A number increased 6 times
18. One-third of a number