Translation of

Verbal Phrases to
Mathematical
Phrases
and Vice Versa
 Lets Review!
Variable ~ Is a symbol for a number we don't know
yet. It is usually a letter like x or y.
Constant~ A number on its own
Algebraic expressions
Is an expression built up from constants, variables, and
the algebraic operations
Coefficient
Is a number used to multiply a variable (4x means 4
times x, so 4 is a coefficient)
Table of Mathematical
Symbols and their
Meanings
 Translation of
Verbal Phrases to
Mathematical Phrases
Translate "the sum of 8 and y" into an
algebraic expression.

This translates to "8 + y"

Translate "4 less than x" into an

algebraic expression.
This translates to "x 4"
Translate "x multiplied by 13" into an
algebraic expression.

This translates to " 13x "

Translate "the quotient of x and 3" into

an algebraic expression.

This translates to " x/3 "

1.) Translate "the ratio of 9 more than x to x"
into an algebraic expression
2.) Translate "nine less than the total of a
number and two" into an algebraic expression,
and simplify.
3.) Translate "nine less than the total of a
number and two" into an algebraic expression,
and simplify.
 Translation of
Mathematical Phrases
to Verbal Phrases
Translate x + 5 = 4 " into a verbal phrase.
The sum of a number and 5 is 4.

Translate 2x 1 = 1" into a verbal phrase.

Twice a number decreased by 1 is equal to 1.

Translate 3x = 15" into a verbal phrase.
Thrice a number x yields 15.
1. 5x-4
2. 3(x+6)
3. 7 + x/2