Phrases to Algebraic Expressions


Note: When writing the algebraic expressions, follow the phrases exactly. So pay close attention to what the problem says.

For example, '5 subtracted from x' has only one translation: 'x - 5'
The phrase '5 added to x' only translates to 'x + 5' for this topic.
The phrase '5 added to x' does not translates to '5 + x' even though that is an equivalent expression.

This table shows you basic phrases translated to algebraic expressions.

  Phrases Expressions
Addition: 30 added to k k + 30
  30 increased by k 30 + k
  30 plus k 30 + k
Subtraction: h subtracted by m h - m
  h subtracted from m m - h
  the difference of h and m h - m
  h minus m h - m
Multiplication:   the product of -31 and negative seven -31*-7
  the product of -31 and negative seven and x -31*-7x
  31 times negative seven 31*-7
  31 times x 31x
Inequalities: b is greater than 12 b > 12
  b is greater than or equal to 12 b >= 12
  b is less than or equal to 12 b <= 12
  b is equal to 12 b = 12


Example 1:

Convert to an algebraic expression. Use * for multiplication and / for division.
the product of -39 and (f added to c) is equal to b increased by 14 minus g

The statement can be broken into 3 parts and translated:
the product of -39 and (f added to c)   is equal to   b increased by 14 minus g
the product of -39 and (c + f)   =   b + 14 minus g
the product of -39 and (c + f)   =   b + 14 minus g
-39*(c + f)   =   b + 14 - g

The statement becomes


Example 2:

Convert to an algebraic expression. Use * for multiplication and / for division.
the product of -6, eleven, and c is greater than or equal to -13 times (one added to negative thirty-two)

The statement can be broken into 3 parts and translated:
the product of -6, eleven, and c   is greater than or equal to   -13 times (one added to negative thirty-two)
the product of -6, 11, and c   >=   -13 times (-32 + 1)
the product of -6, 11, and c   >=   -13 times (-32 + 1)
the -6*11*c   >=   -13*(-32 + 1)

The statement becomes

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