1. 1.2 Writing Algebraic Expressions
Standard: AF 1.1
Objective: Students translate phrases into expressions and vice versa.

2. Numerical Expressions
Verbal
Phrase
Operation
Result
The sum of
5 and 3 is 8.
Add
The difference
of 10 and 7 is 3.
Subtract
The product
of 2 and 8 is 16.
Multiply
The quotient
of 24 and 3 is 8.
Divide

3. Backwards Words
Add 3 and 7 =
3 + 7
The sum of 3 and 7 =
3 + 7
3 increased by 7 =
3 + 7
The total of 3 and 7 =
3 + 7
3 more than 7 =
7 + 3
3 added to 7 =
7 + 3

4. Backwards Words
7 subtract 3 =
7 - 3
The difference of 7 and 3 =
7 - 3
7 decreased by 3 =
7 - 3
7 diminished by 3 =
7 - 3
7 less 3 =
7 - 3
7 less than 3 =
3 - 7
7 subtracted from 3 =
3 - 7

5. Translate the verbal phrase into a numerical
expression and evaluate.
1) The difference of 8 and 1.
2) The product of 12 and 6.
3) The sum of 5 and 9.
4) The quotient of 12 and 3.

6. Write a verbal phrase that represents each algebraic
expression below. 1)
The difference of 10 and x. 2)
The product of 6 and m. 3)
The quotient of 12 and y. 4)
The sum of k and 7.

7. Write a variable expression to represent the
following if x represents your age.
1) Your age 5 years ago.
2) Twice your age.
3) Your age in 8 years.

8. Translate the following phrases.
1) Five plus x minus 3
5 + x - 3
2) Three times y less 4
3) Eight multiplied by y minus 7
8y - 7
4) The product of 10 and m decreased by 7
10m - 7
5) Four more than the quotient of x and 3
6) Six times m plus 8
6m + 8

9. Define a variable to represent the unknown and
write the phrase as a variable expression.
1) 10 mph faster than the Honda
Let x = the speed of the Honda
x + 10
2) 7 inches shorter than Jill’s brother
Let b = the height of Jill’s brother
b - 7
3) 5 acres larger than twice the size of my lot
Let k = the size of my lot
2k + 5
4) $7.50 times the number of people plus a
$20 group registration
Let y = the number of people
$7.5y + $20

10. Match each phrase with its variable expression.d
1) Twice the sum of x and 3 e
2) Two less than the product
of 3 and x b
3) Three times the difference
of x and 2 a
4) Twice a number x less 3 c
5) Two more than 3 times a
number x