1. Translating Algebraic Expressions
Math
Translating Algebraic Expressions
By: Darala Hartwell

2. Remember:
1. A variable is a letter used to represent an unknown value.
2. A numerical expression includes numbers and operations.
3. An algebraic expression contains variables, numbers and operations.

3. x a b y Variables are letters that represent unknown values. How did I
What do I represent?
How did I
get here?
What am I? x a
I am so unknown b y
Variables are letters that represent unknown values.

4. Numerical Expressions
Numerical expressions include numbers and operation symbols.

5. n Algebraic Expressions An algebraic expression includes: Numbers
Operations
and Variables n

6. Let’s look at examples of a numerical expressions: 32 8
7(4)

7. Let’s look at examples of algebraic expressions.2

8. Algebraic expressions like phrases in English are incomplete.
Equations
Algebraic expressions like phrases in English are incomplete.
An equation, like a sentence, is complete. You will notice the
inclusion of a very special symbol.
An equation is made up of numbers, variables,
and an equal sign.
3b + 5 = 26

9. Rewrite these verbal expressions as algebraic expressions.
1. the sum of s and 12
s+12
2. the product of 15 and some number
15n
3. n to the seventh power n7
4. 56 increased by twice a number
56+2a
5. Four less than a number
n-4

10. Let’s write equations for these sentences.
1. Forty-three less than n is equal to 35.
n – 43 = 35
2. Seven more than y is 13.
y + 7 = 13

11. The End