Translate Phrases to Mathematical Expressions
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Many words and phrases suggest mathematical
operations . The following common words and
phrases indicate addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division.
Verbal phrases can be translated into variable
expressions. Some examples are below.
Whenever possible, select a single variable to
represent an unknown quantity. Then express
related quantities in terms of the first variable
selected.
Examples
For each relationship, select a variable to
represent one quantity and state what that
variable represents. Then express the second
quantity in terms of the variable selected.
a) The Kings scored 7 more points than the
Rangers.
Let r = number of points scored by the Rangers
Let r + 7 = number of points scored by the Kings
b) Bob and Marc share $65.
Let a = how much Bob receives.
Let 65 - a = amount Marc receives.
Practice
Write each statement as an algebraic
expression.
1) Kim has 7 more than 5 times the amount
Sylvia has.
2) The length of a rectangle is 3 feet less than 4
times its width.
3) Write an expression to represent how much
house that costs x dollars.
Write each problem below as an equation.
4) The number of cents in d dimes is 120.
5) The cost of x gallons of gasoline at $3.20 per
gallon is $35.20
6) One train travels 3 miles more than twice the
distance another train travels. The total
distance traveled by both trains is 800 miles.
Answer Key
Translating Phrases into Expressions
Many problems can be solved using
mathematical methods. In order to do this, you
must be able to translate words into
mathematical expressions. More often than
not, the words can be expressed as a variable
expression which can be evaluated to solve a
problem.
You know the symbols+,−,×,÷, represent the
four most commonly used mathematical
operations. The operation of multiplication can
be represented by the symbol(×)or by#( )or( )( ).
Division can be represented by the
symbol(÷)or##.
In addition to the words add, subtract, multiply
and divide, there is a variety of other words that
also correspond to these mathematical
operations.
Let’s start by creating a list of words that could
translate into each of the mathematical
operations.
First, name the variables. Let ‘l’ represent
length and let ‘w’ represent width.
Next, represent any operations performed on
the variables.2land 3w
Then, represent the mathematical operation by
its symbol.−

Mathematical Operations The variable expression is2l−3w.

Addition Subtraction Multiplication
Division Examples
Add Subtract Multiply Divide Example 1
Increased by Decreased by Product Earlier, you were given a problem about Larry
Quotient and Terry and all their dimes and quarters.
Plus Minus Times Shared
Sum Difference Twice Split between Larry and Terry need to write a variable
Total Reduced by Of Divided by expression to show the value of ‘d’ dimes and
More Less than ‘q’ quarters.
Let’s look at an example of translating words
into a variable expression. First, name the variables. Let ‘d’ be the number
of dimes. Let ‘q’ be the number of quarters.
Remember that a variable expression has one
or more variables (letters) that represent an Next, express the value of the coins as decimals.
unknown quantity. Ten cents is0.10and twenty-five cents is 0.25.

Write the following as a mathematical Next, represent any operation performed on

expression with one variable: the variables.0.10d and 0.25q

A number increased by four. Then, represent the mathematical operation by

its symbol.+
First, name the variable. Let ‘n’ represent the
number. The variable expression is0.10d+0.25q

Next, represent the mathematical operation by
its symbol.+
Then, insert the constant after the symbol.4
The variable expression is n+4.
How can Larry and Terry use this variable
expression to figure out how much money they
have?
They have counted the coins and they know
they have 928 dimes and 515 quarters.

Let’s look at one more example.
Write the following as a mathematical
expression with two variables:
Twice the length less three times the width.
They have to evaluate the variable
expression0.10d+0.25q whend=928 and q=515.
First, substitute the valuesd=928 and q=515into
the expression.
Next, multiply to clear the parenthesis:
Then, add:
The total tax from the first purchase at 5% and
The answer is$221.55 the second purchase at 9%.

Larry and Terry can spend$221.55on their dad’s
gift.
Example 2
Write the following as a mathematical
expression with one variable:
First, name the variables. Let ‘a’ represent the
first purchase. Let ‘b’ represent the second
purchase.
Next, represent any operation performed on
the variables.+5%aand 9%b.

One-half of Adam’s age six years ago. Then, represent the mathematical operation by
its symbol.+
First, name the variable. Let ‘x’ represent
Adam’s age. The answer is+5%aand 9%b.

Next, represent any operation performed on
the variable.−6
Then, represent the mathematical operation by
its symbol.12( )
This answer is incorrect. You must multiply by
the percent expressed as a decimal. The total is
the sum of the taxes on each of the purchases.
The answer is0.05a+0.09b.

The variable expression is12(x−6). Review

Example 3
Write the following as a mathematical
expression with two variables:

Four times the number of dimes less twice the

number of quarters.

First, name the variables. Let ‘d’ represent the

number of dimes. Let ‘q’ represent the number
of quarters.

Next, represent any operation performed on

the variables.

4dand2q

Then represent the mathematical operation by

its symbol.–

The answer is4d−2q.

Example 4
Write the following as a mathematical
expression with two variables: