Translating in mathematics usually involves changing a verbal phrase, or sentence, into a mathematical phrase, or sentence.

In this lesson we will do the reverse. We will translate a mathematical phrase, or sentence, into a verbal phrase. Let's look at an easy example: Mathematical Sentence: x + 13 = 20 Matching Verbal Expression: "A number increased by thirteen is twenty." Let's try another (a little tougher).... Mathematical Sentence: 3y - 7 = 2y + 8 Matching Verbal Expression: "When three times a number is decreased by seven, the result is the same as when two times the same number is increased by eight." And a little tougher still.... Mathematical Phrase: 85 - 3(a + 7) Matching Verbal Expression: "Eighty-five decreased by three times the sum of a number and seven." Let's try a little multiple choice this time... Choose the mathematical sentence which matches the given verbal sentence. "When eight is subtracted from five times a number the result is six." a.) 8 - 5x = 6 b.) 5x - 6 = 8 c.) 5x - 8 = 6 d.) 8 - 6x = 5 Let's look for the clues..... In subtraction, the amount you subtract "from" is written first. In the sentence we are subtracting "from" "five times a number" That means that "5x" must be written first. Therefore only choices "b" and "c" could be correct.... Next clue.... "the result" means "equals" In the sentence "the result is six", is the same as "equals six" Only choice "c" equals six.... So the correct translation is choice "c" "5x - 8 = 6"

If you guessed addition, then you are right! This skill of "translating" between words and mathematical operations just takes a little vocabulary drill. Below are some of the most common phrases used in problem solving, together with the operations they represent. Study these relationships and you should be a whiz at algebraic representation. ADD add sum more than increased by exceeds in all total gain plus SUBTRACT subtract difference *less than decreased by diminished by minus fewer reduced by MULTIPLY multiplied by of product times double twice triple DIVIDE divide quotient divided equally per ratio of

* be careful using "less than" - it reverses the order of things Also, be careful of the placement of commas in statements. In the statement "the sum of a and b, divided by 3" the comma indicates that the answer is (a+b)/3 and not a + b/3.
1. two more than a number 2+x 3x - 5 notice how this changed the order 7x + 4 4. six decreased by 5 times a number 6 - 5x

2. 3.

five less than three times a number seven times a number, increased by 4

Now let's try working in the other direction: 5. Given 2x - 4, write a verbal expression that matches this mathematical expression. Some possible verbal answers: twice a number decreased by 4 four less than two times a value double a number minus 4 two times a number diminished by 4