Representing

Quantities and
Solving Problems
In Mathematics, an Algebraic Expression is an expression
built up from integer constants, variables and the
algebraic operations.

An Algebraic Equation can be defined as a Mathematical

statement in which two expressions are set equal to each
other. Equations mean equality.
 Algebraic Expression

Algebraic expression is a Mathematical phrase that uses

variables, numerals and operation symbols.
Example:
a) A kite is flying at an altitude of m meters. Express
algebraically its new altitude after rising for 25
meters.
m meters increased by 25
m + 25

Algebraic Expression: m + 25 → The kite’s new altitude is 25 meters

more than m meters.
 Algebraic Expression

Algebraic expression is a Mathematical phrase that uses

variables, numerals and operation symbols.
Example:
b) A kite is flying at an altitude of m meters. Express
algebraically its new altitude after falling 10 meters.
m meters decreased by 10
m - 10

Algebraic Expression: m - 10 → The kite’s new altitude is 10 meters

less than m meters.
 Algebraic Expression

Algebraic expression is a Mathematical phrase that uses

variables, numerals and operation symbols.
Example:
c) A kite is flying at an altitude of m meters. Represent
algebraically its new altitude after tripling its altitude.

3 multiply by m meters
3 x m

Algebraic Expression: 3m → The kite’s new altitude is 3m meters.

Example:

Jayson is 9 years older than his sister. Write an algebraic

expression to show the age of Jayson.

The unknown quantity is the age of Jayson.

Let s be the variable for the age of his sister.
The key word “older” tells us that the operation is
addition

Jayson: s + 9
Practice #1:

Give the expressions of the following verbal phrases.

1) The sum of six and a number
2) Eight more than a number
3) A number plus five
4) A number decreased by nine
5) Ten times a number
 Algebraic Equation

Algebraic Equation is a Mathematical sentence with an

equal sign (=) which shows that two expressions or both
sides are equal.
The symbol = is read “equals” and separates an equation
into two parts: the left member and the right member.
Common words Translated as = equal or equals, is/are, is
equal to, result is, yields.
Example:

Mr. and Mrs. Santos own a laundry shop. They had 134
customers this week, 18 fewer than last week. Write an
Algebraic equation for the number of customers they had
last week.
Let c be the number of customers they had last week.
Translate:
eighteen fewer than the number last week is 134
c – 18 = 134

Algebraic Equation: c – 18 = 134

Example:

Aling Martha, when asked about her age, replies, “I am six

years older than twice the age of my youngest child.”
Express her age in Algebraic equation if her age now is 66.
Let a be the age of Aling Martha’s youngest child.
Translate:
six years older than twice the age of my youngest child is 66
2a + 6 = 66

Algebraic Equation: 2a + 6 = 66 → Aling Martha’s age

Example:

The grade 6 basketball team scored three less than thrice

as many points as their opponent. Their total score at the
end of the game was 108. Write an Algebraic equation for
the number of points they earned.
Let s be the score of the Grade 6’s opponent team.
Translate:
three less than thrice as many points as their opponent is 108
3s – 3 = 108

Algebraic Equation: 3s – 3 = 108

Example:

Kira has 127 books in her collection. Her school is hosting

a book donation. How many books does Kira needed to
collect if she wants to donate 300 books? Write an
algebraic equation to show how many books does Kira
needed to collect.
The unknown quantity is the number of books Kira needed to
collect.
Let b be the variables for the books Kira needed to collect.
The key word “collect” tells us that the operation will be
addition.
Example:

Kira has 127 books in her collection. Her school is hosting

a book donation. How many books does Kira needed to
collect if she wants to donate 300 books? Write an
algebraic equation to show how many books does Kira
needed to collect?

Equation: 127 + b = 300

b = 300 – 127
b = 173
The purpose of solving an algebraic expression in
an equation is to find the unknown variable. When
two expressions are equated, they form an equation
and therefore, it becomes easier to solve for the
unknown terms.
Example:

Renz and Kim received packages containing books. Renz

receives 5 packages that contains 12 books in each box.
On the other hand, Kim receives 6 packages. How many
books does each box contain in Kim’s package if they
received the equal number of books?

• The unknown quantity number of books in each box of Kim’s

package.
• Let k be the variable for Kim’s books.
• The keyword “in each” tells us the operation is multiplication.
• The keyword “have the equal number” tells us that we will use
equal sign.
Example:

Renz and Kim received packages containing books. Renz

receives 5 packages that contains 12 books in each box.
On the other hand, Kim receives 6 packages. How many
books does each box contain in Kim’s package if they
received the equal number of books?
Example:
5 • 12 = 6 • k
60 = 6k
60 6𝑘
=
6 6
k = 10