Algebraic Translations

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Algebraic Expressions:
Unlike equations, algebraic expressions do not contain an equal sign.

The word "terms" refers to values that

are added or subtracted. 7n + 2 has two
terms.

The word "factors" refers to values that

are multiplied. The term 7n has two
factors: 7 and n.

The skill of translating between verbal statements and algebraic expressions requires an
understanding of the words that are commonly used to represent mathematical operations.

A sampling of words used to represent mathematical operations:

ADD SUBTRACT MULTIPLY DIVIDE
add subtract multiply divide
sum difference product quotient
increased by decreased by of per
more than fewer times divided equally
exceeds less than * double split into
total diminished by triple fraction
plus minus twice ratio of
in all take away
gain withdraw
deposit reduced by
* Remember that "less than" reverses the order of what you read. [ 6 less than x, becomes x - 6 ]

Always look for the placement of commas in the verbal statements. They
will help you decide how to properly group terms in your algebraic
expression.
For example: the verbal statement "5 times, a number increased by 6"
translates to 5(n + 6) and is not 5n + 6.

(Remember that variables can be represented by any letter or symbol, unless otherwise
directed.)
Verbal Statement Algebraic Expression
1. Five increased by four times a number 5 + 4n
2. Eight less than twice a number 2n - 8
3. Three times a number, increased by 9 3n + 9
4. The product of 4, and a number decreased by 7 4(n - 7)
5. The number of feet in x yards. 3x
6. Express the width of a rectangle which is seven less
l-7
than its length, l.
7. A number repeated as a factor 3 times. n • n • n = n3

Terms used to refer to specific expressions:

TERM DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES

The product of non-negative integer powers of
monomial variables. It has ONE term. (mono implies 12, -3x, 2x2, -7ab, 4t3s4
one)
The sum of two monomials. It has TWO unlike
binomial terms. (bi implies two) 7x + 4, x2 +1, 3a - 2b
The sum of three monomials. It has THREE
trinomial unllike terms. (tri implies three) x2 + 4x + 4, 4p2 - 3q3 - 1
A generic term for the sum of one or more
polynomial monomials. (poly implies many) 4x, s + 2, a2 + b2 + c

Algebraic Equations:
Unlike expressions, algebraic equations contain an equal sign.
EQUAtion EQUAl sign

You will still encounter the "words" used to represent mathematical operations, as shown in the chart at the
top of the page. To that list, we can now add a sampling of words that imply "an equal sign".

EQUAL is, are, was, were, equivalent to, same as, yields, gives

Also, continue to look for commas, to help you group your terms.

When trying to create equations, you may find it difficult to quickly arrive at
an answer. When this happens, it is often helpful to make up a numerical
example from the situation so you can see how the numbers are related to one
another. In addition, a numerical example is useful for checking to see if the
equation you wrote is accurate.

Verbal Statement Algebraic Equation

1. Three times a number, divided by ten equals fifteen.

2. Ten less than the quotient of a number and two is zero.

3. Twelve more than the product of a number and two is

2n + 12 = 36
thirty-six.
4. Represent the cost of access to a movie web site which
charges a $5 fee for the first month, and then $28 a c = cost, m = months
month for continued access after the first month.
Numerical Example: For 4 months the cost would be: Cost =
c = 5 + 28(m - 1)
$5 + $28•(4-1). Replace 4 with m for number of months.
5. If chocolate doughnuts cost $1.10 and chocolate chip
muffins cost $2.25, how many of each can you
purchase for $20? d =doughnuts, m = muffins
Numerical Example: The cost of 3 doughnuts and 2 muffins 20 = 1.50d + 2.25m
will be: Cost = $1.50•3 + $2.25• 2. Replace 3 with d for
doughnuts, 2 with m for muffins, and Cost with $20.
6. Express the area of a rectangle whose length is twice its
width decreased by 6. A = area, w = width
Numerical Example: If the width is 10, the length is 14, then
the area, A = 10 • 14. Just replace 10 with w for width, and 14
A = w • (2w - 6)
with 2w - 6 for the length.

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