Translating Words into Expressions
Translating words into expressions is a Grade 6 algebra skill in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, Chapter 3: Algebraic Expressions and Properties. Students convert verbal descriptions into algebraic expressions by identifying operation keywords, choosing variables to represent unknown quantities, and writing the corresponding mathematical notation.
Key Concepts
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.
Common Questions
How do you translate a word phrase into an algebraic expression?
Identify the operation keyword (sum = add, difference = subtract, product = multiply, quotient = divide), assign a variable to the unknown, and write the expression. For example, "8 more than a number" becomes x + 8.
What are common phrases used in writing algebraic expressions?
Addition: more than, increased by, sum of, plus. Subtraction: less than, decreased by, difference. Multiplication: times, product of, multiplied by, of. Division: divided by, quotient of, per, ratio of.
How is "less than" different from "subtracted from" in expressions?
"5 less than x" means x - 5 (x is reduced by 5). "x subtracted from 5" means 5 - x (x is taken away from 5). The order of subtraction matters, so these phrases give different expressions.
Where is this skill taught in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1?
Translating words into expressions is covered in Chapter 3: Algebraic Expressions and Properties of Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, the Grade 6 math textbook.