1. Writing Algebraic Expressions

2. How do I convert words into math operations & symbols?
WORDS Algebraic Expressions
Similar to
Spanish English
¡Me gusta matemáticas! I like math!

3. Convert the following into an algebraic expression.
Identify the operation(s) key word(s): less than, plus, sum, etc.
Three plus A
Answer: 3 + A A

4. Convert the following into an algebraic expression.
six decreased by Y y
Answer: 6 - y

5. Let’s Try Another One
Convert the following into an algebraic expression. Six less than Y 6 - Y

6. Actually…
6-y is incorrect! The phrase states “six less than y” meaning six “taken away from” y, therefore the correct algebraic expression is…….
Y - 6

7. The product of eight and t Rearrange: 8 x t 8t Answer Same as saying “eight times t” or

8. Five divided by x Answer: 5/x or 𝟓 𝒙 or 5 ÷ x 5 ÷ x
*Remember ÷ is also /
Answer: 5/x or 𝟓 𝒙 or ÷ x
÷ x

9. Which of the following expressions represents three times a number decreased by twelve?
Answer Now

10. Which one of the following expressions represents 28 less than three times a number?
Answer Now

11. Let’s Practice! Phrase Expression the sum of nine and eight 9 + 8
nine decreased by x
9 – x
five more than three times x
5 + 3x
the product of x and 6 6x
seven divided by two times x
7 ÷ 2x or 𝑥
11 less than three times x
3x - 11

12. In groups, using the variables, coefficients, and math operations given, write an algebraic expression for…. 1) m increased by 5.
m + 5
2) 3 times x. 3x

13. 3) twelve less than six times n.
4) twelve more than six times n.
12 + 6n
5) the quotient of x and twelve.

14. Additional Practice! Write an algebraic expression for each of the following…
1. Subtract 4 from x. 2. The product of 2 and m 3. Eight more than a twice w. 4. Sixteen less than twice m. 5. Five less than a t. 6. The product of 100 and w 7. Nine less than the product of x and two.