Variable Expressions 2009 SOL A.1 Varina High School Tammy Wallace

Vocabulary A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, used to represent a quantity. This quantity represents an element of any subset of the real numbers. An algebraic expression may contain numbers, variables, operations, and grouping symbols. An algebraic expression may be evaluated by substituting values for the variables in the expression.

How are algebraic expressions used in Algebra? Algebraic expressions can be translated to verbal expressions or word phrases Verbal expressions or word phrases, which describe characteristics of given conditions, can also be translated into algebraic expressions for the purpose of evaluation.

In expressions, there are many different ways to write multiplication:

Division, on the other hand, is written as:

Here are some phrases you may have listed. The terms with * are ones that are often used.

Writing Algebraic Expressions Steps for Writing Algebraic Expressions: 1.Read for understanding 2.Define the variable 3.Translate the words into numbers/variables/operations 4.Write as an expression

Define a variable and write an algebraic expression for each phrase. two timesa number plus 5 This can be whatever you want it to be Let x = “a number” two timesa number plus 5

7 less than three times a number 7 less than3 timesa number Let x = “a number” 7 less than3 timesa number

The absolute value of the sum of a number a 5 the absolute value ofthe sum ofa number and 5 Let x = “a number” the absolute value ofthe sum ofa number and 5

The quotient of a number cubed and 12. quotient ofa numbercubed and 12 Let x = “a number” quotient ofa numbercubed and 12

The square root of the product of 6 and a number squared. square root of the product of 6 and a number squared Let x = “a number” square root of the product of 6 and a number squared

Write an verbal expression for each algebraic expression