<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
This module is from Elementary Algebra by Denny Burzynski and Wade Ellis, Jr. In this chapter, the emphasis is on the mechanics of equation solving, which clearly explains how to isolate a variable. The goal is to help the student feel more comfortable with solving applied problems. Ample opportunity is provided for the student to practice translating words to symbols, which is an important part of the "Five-Step Method" of solving applied problems (discussed in modules (<link document="m21980"/>) and (<link document="m21979"/>)). Objectives of this module: be able to translate from verbal to mathematical expressions.

Overview

  • Translating from Verbal to Mathematical Expressions

Translating from verbal to mathematical expressions

To solve a problem using algebra, we must first express the problem algebraically. To express a problem algebraically, we must scrutinize the wording of the problem to determine the variables and constants that are present and the relationships among them. Then we must translate the verbal phrases and statements to algebraic expressions and equations.

To help us translate verbal expressions to mathematics, we can use the following table as a mathematics dictionary.

Mathematics dictionary
Word or Phrase Mathematical Operation
Sum, sum of, added to, increased by, more than, plus, and +
Difference, minus, subtracted from, decreased by, less, less than
Product, the product of, of, muitiplied by, times
Quotient, divided by, ratio ÷
Equals, is equal to, is, the result is, becomes =
A number, an unknown quantity, an unknown, a quantity x (or any symbol)

Sample set a

Translate the following phrases or sentences into mathematical expressions or equations.

six 6 more than + a number x 6 + x .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Fifteen 15 minus - a number x 15 - x .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

A quantity y less - eight 8 y - 8 .

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Twice 2 a number x is = ten . 10 2 x = 10

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

One half 1 2 of a number z is = twenty . 20 1 2 z = 20

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Three 3 times a number y is = five 5 more than + twice 2 the same number . y 3 y = 5 + 2 y

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Practice set a

Translate the following phrases or sentences into mathematical expressions or equations.

Eleven more than a number.

11 + x

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Nine minus a number.

9 x

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

A quantity less twenty.

x 20

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Four times a number is thirty two.

4 x = 32

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

One third of a number is six.

x 3 = 6

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Ten times a number is eight more than five times the same number.

10 x = 8 + 5 x

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Sometimes the structure of the sentence indicates the use of grouping symbols.

Sample set b

Translate the following phrases or sentences into mathematical expressions or equations.

A number divided by five, (  x  ÷ 5 ) minus ten, 10 is = fifteen . 15 x 5 10 = 15

Commas set off terms.

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Eight 8 divided by ÷ five more than a number ( 5 + x ) is = ten 10 The wording indicates this is to be considered as a single quantity.

8 5 + x = 10

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

A number x multiplied by ten more than itself ( 10 + x ) is = twenty . 20 x ( 10 + x ) = 20

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

A number plus one is divided by three times the number minus twelve and the result is four.
( x + 1 ) ÷ ( 3 x 12 ) = 4 x + 1 3 x 12 = 4
Notice that since the phrase "three times the number minus twelve" does not contain a comma, we get the expression 3 x 12 . If the phrase had appeared as "three times the number, minus twelve," the result would have been
x + 1 3 x 12 = 4

Got questions? Get instant answers now!

Questions & Answers

if three forces F1.f2 .f3 act at a point on a Cartesian plane in the daigram .....so if the question says write down the x and y components ..... I really don't understand
Syamthanda Reply
hey , can you please explain oxidation reaction & redox ?
Boitumelo Reply
hey , can you please explain oxidation reaction and redox ?
Boitumelo
for grade 12 or grade 11?
Sibulele
the value of V1 and V2
Tumelo Reply
advantages of electrons in a circuit
Rethabile Reply
we're do you find electromagnetism past papers
Ntombifuthi
what a normal force
Tholulwazi Reply
it is the force or component of the force that the surface exert on an object incontact with it and which acts perpendicular to the surface
Sihle
what is physics?
Petrus Reply
what is the half reaction of Potassium and chlorine
Anna Reply
how to calculate coefficient of static friction
Lisa Reply
how to calculate static friction
Lisa
How to calculate a current
Tumelo
how to calculate the magnitude of horizontal component of the applied force
Mogano
How to calculate force
Monambi
a structure of a thermocouple used to measure inner temperature
Anna Reply
a fixed gas of a mass is held at standard pressure temperature of 15 degrees Celsius .Calculate the temperature of the gas in Celsius if the pressure is changed to 2×10 to the power 4
Amahle Reply
How is energy being used in bonding?
Raymond Reply
what is acceleration
Syamthanda Reply
a rate of change in velocity of an object whith respect to time
Khuthadzo
how can we find the moment of torque of a circular object
Kidist
Acceleration is a rate of change in velocity.
Justice
t =r×f
Khuthadzo
how to calculate tension by substitution
Precious Reply
hi
Shongi
hi
Leago
use fnet method. how many obects are being calculated ?
Khuthadzo
khuthadzo hii
Hulisani
how to calculate acceleration and tension force
Lungile Reply
you use Fnet equals ma , newtoms second law formula
Masego
please help me with vectors in two dimensions
Mulaudzi Reply
how to calculate normal force
Mulaudzi
Got questions? Join the online conversation and get instant answers!
Jobilize.com Reply

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Elementary algebra. OpenStax CNX. May 08, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col10614/1.3
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Elementary algebra' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask