In this Grade 6 lesson from Big Ideas Math, Course 1 (Chapter 3), students learn how to write numerical and algebraic expressions to represent unknown quantities using variables. They practice identifying key words and phrases that signal the four operations, such as "more than" for addition, "fewer than" for subtraction, "product of" for multiplication, and "quotient of" for division. The lesson aligns with Common Core standard 6.EE.2a and builds skills in translating real-world phrases into expressions like x + 14 or 3 ÷ z.
Section 1
Translating Words into Expressions
To translate a word problem into an algebraic expression, start by identifying an unknown and use a variable to represent it.
Next, identify what you do know (the given numbers).
Finally, determine what connects the two pieces of information together to write an algebraic expression that represents the situation.
Section 2
Keywords for Translating Phrases
Translating word phrases into algebraic expressions involves identifying keywords that signify mathematical operations.
Section 3
Writing Expressions from Verbal Phrases
To translate verbal phrases that group quantities, use parentheses . Phrases like "the sum of..." or "the difference between..." that are then multiplied or divided require parentheses to ensure the addition or subtraction is performed first. For example, "the sum of and , times " is written as .
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Section 1
Translating Words into Expressions
To translate a word problem into an algebraic expression, start by identifying an unknown and use a variable to represent it.
Next, identify what you do know (the given numbers).
Finally, determine what connects the two pieces of information together to write an algebraic expression that represents the situation.
Section 2
Keywords for Translating Phrases
Translating word phrases into algebraic expressions involves identifying keywords that signify mathematical operations.
Section 3
Writing Expressions from Verbal Phrases
To translate verbal phrases that group quantities, use parentheses . Phrases like "the sum of..." or "the difference between..." that are then multiplied or divided require parentheses to ensure the addition or subtraction is performed first. For example, "the sum of and , times " is written as .
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter