In this Grade 6 lesson from Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, students learn how to translate verbal phrases into numerical and algebraic expressions by identifying key words that signal the four operations, such as "product of" for multiplication and "fewer than" for subtraction. The lesson covers writing expressions with variables, evaluating algebraic expressions, and applying them to real-world contexts like modeling tree growth with the expression 10 + 15t. Part of Chapter 3 on Algebraic Expressions and Properties, this lesson also emphasizes the importance of order when writing subtraction and division expressions.
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
Operation Key Words and Phrases
Each mathematical operation has specific key words and phrases that signal its use in verbal expressions:
Section 3
Order in Subtraction and Division Expressions
In subtraction and division expressions, the order of terms matters and must match the verbal phrase exactly.
For "A minus B" or "A less B", write .
For "A divided by B" or "quotient of A and B", write or .
Section 4
Writing Expressions from Real-World Situations
Translate real-world scenarios into mathematical expressions using the four operations with rational numbers.
The goal is to identify the quantities and operations described in words and write them as algebraic or numeric expressions without solving.
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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
Operation Key Words and Phrases
Each mathematical operation has specific key words and phrases that signal its use in verbal expressions:
Section 3
Order in Subtraction and Division Expressions
In subtraction and division expressions, the order of terms matters and must match the verbal phrase exactly.
For "A minus B" or "A less B", write .
For "A divided by B" or "quotient of A and B", write or .
Section 4
Writing Expressions from Real-World Situations
Translate real-world scenarios into mathematical expressions using the four operations with rational numbers.
The goal is to identify the quantities and operations described in words and write them as algebraic or numeric expressions without solving.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter