1. TRANSLATING Word Phrases to Algebraic Expressions Writing Equations
Translating Equations into Sentences

2. Phrases and symbols that suggest adding and subtracting.
ADDITION
Sum
Total
Added to
Increased by
More than
SUBTRACTION
Difference
Subtracted from
Decreased by
Less than

3. Phrases and symbols that suggest multiplying and dividing.
MULTIPLICATION
Product
Times
Multiplied by
DIVISION
Quotient
Divided by
Try to stay away from using the symbol “X”.
Why?
Because it looks
like a variable.

4. Write in symbols Or 1) The quotient of (u + 2v) and w.
The product of 1 and 13
Remember, stay away from the multiplication symbol “x” Or 2)

5. Added to subtracted from
3) 19 less than w
When using the
Phrases
More than less than
Added to subtracted from
TURN THE
SYMBOLS
AROUND
4) 13 subtracted from d
5) 10 meters added to the perimeter
6) Eight more than a number

6. Writing Equations and Formulas
Words or phrases that suggest “ = “
Translating
Equations
Has 3
Steps
Equals -
Is -
Is equal to -
Is as much as -
Is the same as -
Is identical to
7) Nine times a number subtracted from 95 equals 37.
Read the
Words
Define the
Variable
Let “n” represent “a number”
Write the
Equation

7. Define the Variable Write the Equation3
Steps
8) Twice the number x decreased by eight equals seventy.
Read the
Words
Let “x” represent “the number”
Define the
Variable
Write the
Equation
Watch Out!!
We’re not using the
Less than or
More than phrase
So translate in
order.

8. 9) The perimeter of a square equals four times the length of the side.
10) The circumference (C) of a circle equals the product of 2, π, and the radius (r). M L A
11) The square of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the legs (a) and (b). S

9. 12) Translate into words the expression 4m – 19
When translating from symbols into words, there is more than one way to translate an equation.
12) Translate into words the expression 4m – 19
The product of 4 and a number “m” decreased by 19.
4 times a number “m” minus 19.
19 subtracted from 4 times a number “m”
The difference of 4 times a number “m” and 19.

10. 13) Translate into words the expression 3y + 15 = 14
14) Translate into words the expression – 2x = -5
15) Translate into words the expression A = ½ bh