Writing Algebraic

Expressions
Objective:
Be able to write an algebraic
expression for a word phrase or write a
word phrase for an expression.

Warm Up

Evaluate each algebraic expression for the

given value of the variables.

1.)

7x + 4 for x = 6

2.)

8y 22 for y = 9

3.)

12x 8
y+

4.)

y + 3z for y = 5 and z = 6

46
50

for x = 7 and y = 4

86
23

Although they are closely

related, a Great Dane weighs
about 40 times as much as a
Chihuahua.

An expression for the weight of the

Great Dane could be 40c, where c is the
weight of the Chihuahua.

When solving real-world problems, you will need

to translate words, or verbal expressions, into
algebraic expressions.

Notes
" In order to translate a word
phrase into an algebraic
expression, we must first
know some key word
phrases for the basic
operations.

On the back of your notes:

Addition

Subtraction

Multiplication

Division

Addition Phrases:
"
"
"
"
"
"
"

More than
Increase by
Greater than
Add
Total
Plus
Sum

Subtraction Phrases:
"
"
"
"
"
"
"

Decreased by
Difference between
Take Away
Less
Subtract
Less than*
Subtract from*

Multiplication Phrases:
"
"
"
"
"
"

Product
Times
Multiply
Of
Twice or double
Triple

Division Phrases:
"
"
"
"

Quotient
Divide
Divided by
Split equally

Notes
" Multiplication expressions should
be written in side-by-side form,
with the number always in front of
the variable.
" 3a
2t
1.5c
0.4f

Notes
" Division expressions should be
written using the fraction bar
instead of the traditional
division sign.
"
t
c
3

Examples
" Addition phrases:
n 3 more than x
n

the sum of 10 and a number c

a number n increased by 4.5

Examples
" Subtraction phrases:
n a number t decreased by 4
n

the difference between 10 and a

number y
6 less than a number z

Examples
" Multiplication phrases:
n the product of 3 and a number t
n

twice the number x

4.2 times a number e

Examples
" Division phrases:
n

the quotient of 25 and a number b

the number y divided by 2

2.5 divide g

Examples
" converting f feet into inches
" a car travels at 75 mph for h hours
" the area of a rectangle with a length
of 10 and a width of w

Examples
" converting i inches into feet
" the cost for tickets if you purchase 5
adult tickets at x dollars each
" the cost for tickets if you purchase 3
childrens tickets at y dollars each

Examples
" the total cost for 5 adult tickets and 3
childrens tickets using the dollar
amounts from the previous two
problems (problems e and f)