EXP - Translate Words to Math Lesson

Translate Words to Math

In sixth grade, you learned to translate word problems into mathematical phrases and sentences. In this lesson, you will learn to translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions, which consist of numbers, variables, and operations. When solving real-world problems, you will need to learn this very important skill. There are key vocabulary words that will help you learn which operation to perform. Below is a list of key words and phrases and how they can be translated into mathematical operations. Take a look at the chart below and become familiar with these words and how they are used for these translations. This chart does not include every situation you might see, but it includes the most common examples.

Operation

Verbal Expression

Algebraic Expression

plus

- a number increased by five

- five added to a number

- the sum of a number and five

- a number plus five

- five more than a number

LaTeX: x+5x+5

minus

- a number less five

- a number minus five

- a number decreased by five

- the difference of a number and five

- take away five from a number

- five less than a number

LaTeX: x-5x−5

multiply

- five times a number

- five multiplied by a number

- the product of five and a number

LaTeX: 5x\:or\:5\cdot x5xor5⋅x

divide

- a number divided by five

- five divided into a number

- the quotient of a number and five

 LaTeX: x\div5\:or\:\frac{x}{5}x÷5orx5

The biggest challenge to solving word problems is deciding when to add, subtract, multiply, or divide. When you translate verbal expressions into algebraic expressions, you look for the key vocabulary in each phrase that will provide a clue as to the correct operation to use. Take a look at this video for some great examples and strategies involving translating words to algebraic expressions.

To translate real-world problems into algebraic expressions, you must use vocabulary words and key phrases to determine which operation to use.

Now, take a look below to see more common phrases that are used in word problems and how you can focus on the key vocabulary to help translate the words to math.

the original price of $10 increased by y: 10+y Karen has 5 points. Brandon has 4 more than Karen. 5+4 Twice the sum of x and 5. 2(x+5) NOT 2x+5 THE TOTAL OF 10, 15, and x. 10+15+x $12 decreased by x. 12-x 10 days less than c. c-10 Kristy finished 2 laps less than Caroline's x. x-2(see error alert) Her profit, p, doubled in a month. 2p Ex. 1 Half the money, m, went to charity. Ex 2. Group x divided into 2 teams.(1/2)x OR (x/2)1

Translate Words to Math Practice

Translate Words to Math Homework

Now that you have spent some time learning strategies for translating words into mathematical phrases and sentences, you are ready to complete your Expressions: Translate Words to Math Homework. Download your homework by CLICKING HERE Links to an external site..

Once you have completed your homework, AND MAKE SURE YOU ATTEMPTED AND WORKED THE PROBLEMS OUT ON YOUR OWN, click here to download your homework key Links to an external site..

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